Mbombela - Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Rakhale expressed his disappointment after their 2-1 defeat to Zamalek on Saturday.
Pirates gave up their second half lead and went on to drop all three points against the Egyptian giants in their CAF Confederation Cup Group B match played at Mbombela Stadium.
Substitute Lehlohonolo Majoro gave the Buccaneers a deserved lead in the 68th minute before Yusuf Maroaf and Moustafia Mohamed grabbed all three points for Zamalek on the day.
Rakhale said losing at home was tough to take for his team-mates and their supporters.
“This is definitely a bitter chill to swallow, but it happens,” said Rakhale.
“We were leading then we were just caught off-guard and they (Zamalek) used their chances.
“But nevertheless Zamalek is a very good team and I’ll just say tough luck to my team-mates and tough luck to our supporters.”
A loss for the Buccaneers left them occupying second spot on the mini-log standings while Zamalek are at the summit.
Pirates’ next assignment will be against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia while Zamalek will be looking to continue their winning run against AC Leopards of Congo, Brazzaville on July 25.