Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has explained where things went wrong as they were held to a draw by 10-man Stellenbosch FC, massively denting their league title hopes.
The Soweto giants started brightly Athlone Stadium on Tuesday, attacking the home side with intent in the early stages, and went on to gain an advantage when Brian Onyango was shown a red card for a foul on Tshegofatso Mabasa in the 35th minute.
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However, they failed to make the numerical advantage count as they could not break down a dogged Stellenbosch defence.
Jose Riveiro's men enjoyed 70% of overall ball possession, but it mattered little as they only managed just three shots on target the entire 90 minutes.
Speaking to the club's media after the match, Makhaula reveals what he believes ultimately led to the goalless affair.
"For me, I can say that we contained them nicely. Whatever spaces they needed, they didn't get," the midfielder said.
"We closed off [Devin] Titus. We knew that if we closed off Titus and [Andre] De Jong, it was going to be game over for them.
"We did that.
"Unfortunately, they got a red card. I think playing against 10 men is quite difficult because they always drop, they all defend, so it was a bit difficult.
"You know Stellenbosch. You are coming to Cape Town, playing them is always a difficult match for us to play.
"But we will take the point away from home. Even though we didn't target [only] a point, but that's what we take," he added.
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The draw means Bucs are on 20 points from 18 matches, 18 behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who collected all three points against AmaZulu FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday.