Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter rued his side’s wasted opportunities after the 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
Chiefs wasted several gilt-edged opportunities while Lebogang Manyama missed from the spot.
“I have to say we started the game very well. I think the first 20 minutes we dominated the game completely and as you say during that 20 minutes you have to score. Because we did have good chances. And then as a sort of cold shower came their goal. It was a very poor goal from our side. And it wasn’t reflective of the game at all.
“I think we went on the back foot for 15 minutes and we waited for Sundowns to try and put balls behind our back three and then I think the last 15 minutes we got the game back in the first half. So we go in 1-0 down but I think we’ve had the better share of the play.”
Baxter was not happy with how the goals were conceded as they were punished at a set-piece and then another cross into the box.
“We came out the second half, we changed the way we’re going to press them and suddenly they can’t get out and we’ve got them penned in. And then after 70 minutes, we conceded a goal. I still don’t know how we conceded it. It wasn’t great play, it was just someone twisting and getting himself to the byline and crossed it and we didn’t deal with it.”
“And then you’ve got to start chasing your own tail. And we lose our rhythm. But still we’re not out the game and we miss a penalty.”
But he ended on a positive note, saying that he has never coached a side that have gotten as much joy against Sundowns as his Chiefs side did in this match.
“It’s a difficult one to swallow,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve played Sundowns at their place and had more of the game than we had tonight. You have to congratulate them because they scored two goals but if our lads keep playing this way as the season goes on I think we’re going to be very, very dangerous.
“We’re trying to play a game that allows a lot of movement, playing in tight spaces at times but opens the game up and then we work in our crosses. All the players are learning that and finding their feet. Chiefs fans when they see this will be disappointed with the result but would be encouraged with the quality of play at times. If we can extend that to play 90 minutes I don’t think people will enjoy playing against us.”