A sombre Rulani Mokwena shared words of reassurance to the under-fire Mothobi Mvala after the defender's costly own goal sent Mamelodi Sundowns crashing out of the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns were undone by the away goals rule after being held to a 2-2 semi-final second-leg draw by Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Versfeld Stadium after a 0-0 first-leg stalemate.
The Brazilians were seven minutes away from booking their passage to the competition's final when Mvala headed the ball into his own net in the 83rd minute.
READ | Sundowns miss out on Champions League final
"What did I say to Thobi [Mothobi Mvala], if anything is that in moments like this, there are two things," Mokwena began.
"One, they say one who never makes mistakes are those that probably are not doing anything at all.
"Two, I don't think he's prepared to listen to the coach at all at the moment.
"But he felt the coach's love, I can definitely assure you of that.
ALSO READ | Rulani: We have to use these painful experiences as lessons
"I gripped the hand firmly, I pulled the body a lot closer, and I gave him the assurance that he is not alone.
"That for me is far more important than any of the words I could have uttered."
The defending champions Wydad will now face Percy Tau's Al Ahly in a repeat of last year's final.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.