Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi felt his side did not create enough clear-cut chances in their MTN8 semi-final second-leg clash against Stellenbosch FC.

The Brazilians’ journey in the top-eight competition came to an end after their 1-0 defeat to Stellies at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

Sundowns will now turn their attention to the upcoming CAF Champions League second preliminary round encounter against eSwatini outfit Mbabane Swallows on 13 September.

Mngqithi has since credited Stellies on their performance, stating they were “more hungry” to clinch the victory than his team.

“We had moments where we were in the last line. [Khuliso] Mudau was a bit unlucky on two occasions, I think second-half we came back stronger. We never really created clear chances, credit must be given to them, I think they played really well,” Mngqithi told SuperSport TV after the game.

“They were a bit hungry, probably more than us. But the truth is we came back stronger in the closing stages of the game and worse when we had taken off some key players and that’s when the team looked stronger.

“I’m not panicking but what makes me unhappy is that the team that we have been preparing throughout the season and a team that has done very well throughout, at this stage is not really clicking to the level one expected and it’s unfortunate but it’s the truth.

“We’re struggling with most of our key players but I think the players we brought late did very well, it was unfortunate we didn’t create anything clear out of that.”