Royal AM co-coach Khabo Zondo praised the side's character despite going 3-0 down to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night.
Goals from Neo Maema, Cassius Mailula and Surprise Ralani helped the Brazilians to victory and a sixth point gap at the top of the DStv Premiership table.
Read: Sundowns move six points clear with Royal AM scalp
"Look, I think we competed very well for almost 30 percent of the game. Knowing Sundowns strengths in terms of speed and ball rotation and we had to keep it compact in the middle," Zondo told SuperSport TV.
"I think they scored from our own mistakes, you know especially the two goals that made it 3-0. But I thought my boys fought well we didn't create anything; truth must be told.
"We didn't create anything in the second half except the one cross that Thikazi took towards Ruzaigh but at the end of the day we were playing a good side. Well organised, they showed why they score so many goals.
"You make a mistake they punish you. We should've taken our chances in the first half and we didn't that alone made it difficult for us."
What impressed the mentor, formerly of Sundowns the most was the character that the players from their side showed.
"I take the character that the players showed even after the 1-0 and it was the first goal that Sundowns scored. They still kept their game plan, you know trying to catch Sundowns on the counter-attack.
"I mean, the two full-backs that are mostly useful for Sundowns on the side we kept them quiet for the better part of the game and I say tactically we competed though at times we might've looked like a punching bag because we stayed defending and every time we win the ball we lose it again.
"But ja I take a lot of positives in terms of the characters that these players showed and well done to Sundowns with the victory that they got. To me, it didn't look like a 3-0 game it's only the mistakes that we made at the back you know.
"We getting a ball passing through the middle when you are under pressure, the striker is ready up there you have time on the ball but we need going to blame him for that. It's a mistake that happens to any player," Zondo said.
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