Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was pleased with his side's strong showing in the first-half as they battled to a 2-1 victory over Highlands Park on Tuesday evening.
The Brazilians boss was expecting a spirited performance from the hosts as they had enjoyed a lengthy period of rest leading up to the midweek encounter in Tembisa.
And that proved to be the case, with the Lions of North giving Masandawana a real run for their money in the second stanza.
Ultimately, Sundowns managed to hold firm despite the hosts' best efforts to snatch a late draw.
"I told you before the match how they going to come out," Mosimane told SuperSport TV.
"They are stronger and quicker and more aggressive. They had about 15 days' rest, we just played two days ago.
"Thank God we scored early, and we said we must wrap it up as early as possible because we won't match them in the second period.
"They are stronger than us. Thanks, we managed to get the goal and I think Thapelo (Morena) could've sealed it to make it three.
"But you can see not many people can come here and get a result. It's a tough place to come to."