Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi bemoaned his side's missed chances against Kaizer Chiefs before they claimed a penalty shootout victory to advance to the MTN8 semi-finals.
The Brazilians took an early lead through talisman Peter Shalulile before Themba Zwane added the cushioning second goal.
However, Chiefs pulled one back via Bernard Parker before the half-time whistle.
After the break, former Masandawana star Khama Billiat made it 2-2 to take the match to extra-time.
Chances were there for both Premier Soccer League giants to snatch the win, but matters had to be concluded from the penalty spot.
Veteran shot-stopper Kennedy Mweene's four saves sealed a 2-1 penalty shootout victory as Sundowns look to win their first MTN8 title in 14 years.
"A very strange game to be honest because we dominated, which is what we expected to be honest," Mngqithi told SuperSport TV.
"We scored very good goals but I'm very unhappy with the goals we conceded. Allowing these diagonals from Nange, the cross and the finish in the box with no competition from Parker.
"Being caught on transition, spaces in between our defence. Good pass from Keagan and good finish from Khama I must say.
"Look at how many chances we created on the day. We should have wrapped up the game earlier.
"And for Sundowns to concede two goals that's a very big downside of the game, because honestly, we worked very hard not to concede and the type of goals, we conceded do not suggest we have such a good defensive block.
"I knew it was not going to be an easy one with transitions from Chiefs but fortunately we managed to win it in the end."
Mngqithi added: "Thanks to Kennedy, his experience helped us a lot. But honestly speaking it was a game we deserved to win.
"Around the 65th to the 70th minute, we started to see a lot of possession being lost easily and that was already an indication that we are getting fatigued.
"It was our first competitive match of the season. It's understandable. The first five matches of the season will give you that."
Sundowns will take on Golden Arrows in the semi-finals, while Swallows FC meet Cape Town City.