Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena was left fuming after his side’s exit from the Carling Knockout Cup at the first hurdle.
The Brazilians were eliminated from the competition 5-4 on penalties after drawing 2-2 with TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday.
The Rockets had drawn first blood with Sphiwe Mahlangu on target on 12 minutes before Mlungisi Mbunjana doubled the home side’s lead just four minutes later.
It took until the 57th minute for Sundowns to hit back through Marcelo Allende but they were soon down to ten men as Bongani Zungu was dismissed a minute later.
The away team still managed to level up though as Gaston Sirino slotted home in the eighth minute of injury time at the end of the game.
Sundowns were then ousted in the shootout, with Brian Onyango and Lesiba Nku both unsuccessful from the spot.
The clash came hot on the heels of the FIFA international break, meaning that Mokwena was missing a number of key players from his team.
Speaking after the cup clash, an annoyed head coach said on SuperSport: “It counts for nothing doesn’t it. Who cares that you are 2-0 down and you are 10 men.
“Who cares that you play the day after – and you tell me of any club in the world, any club, I’m waiting – a day after the FIFA break.
“Who cares that you have the Footballer of the Season not here, that you have the Goalkeeper of the Year not here, who cares that you (don’t) have the Defender of the Year, who cares?
“Everyone will say these are excuses. People will celebrate our downfall and that’s ok, because as human beings we plan but God decides. If he decides that we shouldn’t win, then as one of his kids I have to trust in his wisdom.”