Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane admitted that he was disappointed not to advance to the Caf Champions League final after the Masandawana faithful turned out in numbers to support the Brazilians against Wydad Casablanca.

The 0-0 draw at a jam-packed Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon was enough to see the Moroccan side progress to the final with a 2-1 aggregate scoreline over the two legs.

Mosimane’s charges were hoping to give the fans who turned up at the stadium a day to remember, but were met by a resilient and well-organised defensive unit that they just could not break down.

Speaking after the game, Mosimane admitted that getting knocked out at this stage in front of his home fans was ‘a bitter pill to swallow’.

‘Obviously I am disappointed that we did not go through to the final with this kind of support, it is a bitter pill to swallow,’ said the former Bafana Bafana coach.

‘Congratulations to WAC, they defended very well. Their president took me to their dressing room after the match so that I can congratulate the players personally.

‘We know each other very well because we have faced each other so many times. But this is football and we have to accept and try again next season.

‘When you lose in the semi-final with a 2-1 aggregate, you need to face reality and accept it.’

‘I have seen big clubs in the world like Bayern Munich and Juventus knocked out of the Champions League, so would Sundowns not accept being knocked out in the semi-finals?’ added the Downs mentor.

‘We will try again next year, because we understand where we are and maybe our way in next years’ Champions League will be a little bit different,’ he concluded.

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