Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says they played to Orlando Pirates' strengths after the MTN8 exit on Saturday afternoon.
Holders Sundowns won't be able to defend their trophy after a brace by Monnapule Saleng and a goal by former striker Kermit Erasmus saw them bomb out of the tournament in the semi-finals.
Read: Pirates End Sundowns' MTN8 Title Defence
Mngqithi claims the Soweto giants are more dangerous without the ball, but felt the opening goal should have been disallowed.
"To be honest I think we played into their strengths because when they get that early goal, a Pirates team is always dangerous when they don't have the ball," Mngqithi told SuperSport after the match.
"So the moment they scored that goal, which I don't think was a fair goal because in my opinion I think the ball was already outside.
"But you know for the fact that once Pirates is no longer desperate to come to you, they must sit back and break you down on counter-attacks, they are always going to be dangerous.
"It was unfortunate for us to concede that goal but good luck to Pirates, I believe they also put their strategy very well to make sure that they achieve whatever they wanted to achieve.
"And the last two goals killed the game off but if we were to win the match we should have scored at least a goal, if we don't score even one goal then we can't say we were in it to win because if we don't score a goal in a match like this naturally you can't expect to win the match."
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