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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is confident of overturning a one-goal deficit in the second leg of their CAF Champions League clash with Chicken Inn at the end of the month.
Downs were dealt a setback in their CAF curtain-raiser as a goal from Michelle Katsvairo fired the Zimbabwean champions to a 1-0 victory at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Reflecting on his side's performance, Mosimane told the club's official website: "Chicken Inn looked a lot sharper than us.
"They sat back and waited to catch us on the counter, and we were aware of this tactic, but eventually they did get the break.
"We played a whole lot more on the counter, and opened up a a lot as we attacked them in search of the away goal. But we just did not have the legs to sustain this."
Mosimane also commented on his side's injury and fitness problems, adding: "Khama (Billiat) complained about a tight hamstring after the Pirates match, while Dennis (Onyango) suffered a knee injury - that is why I did not field the two.
"Then we had to substitute Teko Modise at half-time because his legs could not carry him through. Leo Castro and Keagan Dolly also struggled with the pace of the game,"
Looking ahead to the return leg of the preliminary qualifying round, Mosimane said: "Yes, we lost the match, but the round is not lost. We will have to do the business at home.
"Even before the match, I spoke of the quality of Chicken Inn, so we knew what we were up against. We had noted that they had beaten sides like Highlanders and Dynamos."
