Steve Komphela says Sundowns must put their 1-0 CAF Champions League defeat behind them if they are to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.
In new head coach Miguel Cardoso’s first game in charge, the Brazilians recorded a 1-0 home victory over Raja Casablanca.
But they were undone by the same scoreline against the same opposition away from home on Saturday where both Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau were sent off.
It was a first defeat in five games in all competitions for Cardoso, and senior Downs coach Komphela said there were a number of positives to take from the narrow loss that left the Brazilians in second place in Group B, with five points from four games, and AS FAR top of the pile with eight points.
Komphela said in the Citizen: “We know all these away matches are very difficult to play, especially coming to Morocco where it was going to be emotional, looking at how the supporters were giving them the energy.
“Unfortunately, we almost fell for that trap and I think we didn’t start the way we had wished.
“We spent a bit more time around our box where we could’ve done better. Towards the end of the match, in the second half, it was much better.
“We pushed and played with purpose and it showed that we’re a big team. Irrespective that we were one man down, we pushed them to the limits. You could see, with the way they celebrated (the win).
“If you look back and say, could we’ve won it? Yes, it was possible. Did we get chances? Yes, we did. And did we have the character to show that we can play as a big team? For sure, we did. Now, we’ll have to look forward to the next two matches that are coming. We still have to go to the DRC and welcome AS FAR at home.”
Sundowns play Maniema in the DR Congo next Sunday before their final group stage game at home to AS FAR on January 19.