Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says it was “difficult to stomach” the type of goal they conceded against TP Mazembe in the Caf Champions League.

The Brazilians suffered their first defeat in Group A following their narrow 1-0 loss to Mazembe through a 60th-minute goal from Glody Likonza at the Stade TP Mazembe on Saturday.

The defeat sees Sundowns remain at the top of the table with three points after two games while Mazembe are placed second with the same amount of points.

Mokwena was disappointed with his side’s performance and the result but accepted the defeat as they focused on claiming a win in their next group match.

“Congratulations to TP Mazembe on the win. Of course, we are not happy to lose the match, especially when you consider the number of chances we created. We had clear cut chances. I remember we hit the crossbar upright three times,” Mokwena told his club’s official website.

“There was a very good save in the second half where Peter Shalulile had a one on one with the goalkeeper who made a save with his feet. The type of goal that we conceded is a little bit difficult to stomach but of course what matters at the end of the day are the results. With a lot of grace and humility we accept defeat and congratulate our opponents for winning.

He added: “I spoke in the preview about TP Mazembe. The same organisational forms with Cheick Fofana on the side and Joel Beya upfront with the second ball crosses in the box were not surprising for us but we lost.

“In football, you can win, lose or draw, so no result surprises me because when you start the match you either win, lose or draw.

“Today we lost the game even though I think the team with better chances lost the match. I still need to watch the game, that’s why I can’t say we were the better team but I know we had so many chances and we should have scored.”

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