Esperance coach Patrice Beaumelle on their 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns: It was one stupid moment from our side which killed the game from our side

Patrice Beaumelle decries the moment Esperance conceded a penalty against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Esperance’s goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said was penalised five minutes after the half hour mark for a foul on Sundowns striker Brayan Leon in their Caf Champions League semi-final second leg.

Referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot as Leon stepped up score from 12-yards out at Loftus Versveld on Saturday afternoon.

This moment changed the game for the Tunisian visitors in Pretoria for the worst according to coach Beaumelle.

“I’m sad, when you reach the dressing room, everyone is head down and disappointed, despite the game we did, I’d like to congratulate them for their efforts, they respected the plan from the beginning of the game,” Beaumelle said post-match.

“We controlled it against Sundowns, which is never easy. They did exactly what we planned and then one stupid decision changed the game – and then when you are running after a game, it’s quite difficult. You have to adapt and change your mind, make substitutions to score as fast as possible.”

The French-born coach said the game was of high standard and gave a good spectacle of the general standard of African football.

“I think it was a tough game. All the players from my side and Sundowns did the maximum – it was a very tense game. Congratulations to all these athletes, it was a fantastic game, a real Champions League semi-final,” he continued.

“Unfortunately, some people killed the game; but otherwise, it’s the name of football. We have to accept and try to come back next season stronger.

“A lot of young players without experience in my team, but tonight I’m very proud to be coaching a team with such athletes.”