Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve says he's disappointed they could not at least get a point against Mamelodi after a strong second-half showing.
Stellies went down 1-0 to Sundowns from a goal by their former striker Iqraam Rayners in the first stanza.
The Western Cape side conceded a lot of chandes in the first stanza but they upped their game in the second stanza, as they forced Masandawana to defend for most periods.
READ | Rayners send Sundowns three points clear of Pirates
"A classic case of maybe a match of two halves. I thought first-half we weren't really at the races, arguably they could've got an extra goal and went to half-time with a two-goal lead," Barker told SuperSport.
"However, we hung in there, probably did well to keep it at 1-0. But second-half there was only one team that looked like scoring, so disappointed we weren't able to take one of our chances.
"We created all the play, a lot of momentum, a lot of belief, more confidence in the second-half and asked them a lot of questions and obviously Denis (Onyango) made some big saves," Barker said.
The former University of Pretoria coach went on and said his proud of his players' performance in the second stanza nonetheless.
"Disappointed that we weren't able to get at least a point from the game but again proud of the effort in the second-half, the comeback to get ourselves back into the game," Barker went on.
"I can't fault the players for the effort in the second half, especially maybe first half one or two little errors, our execution maybe let us down a bit. So ja, overall disappointed that we weren't able to salvage a point.
"A couple of fresh legs had an impact on the game, obviously we've been travelling quite a bit, we only arrived on Monday from Angola, it was a short turnaround," the veteran coach said.
"Andre de Jong was unlucky not to get the header, Jayden Adams overhit a pass, otherwise it's a tap in. Just really disappointed we weren't able to take one of those chances," Barker added.