Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos admitted that he thought Orlando Pirates "were the better team" in the Soweto derby that Kaizer Chiefs claimed bragging rights over the weekend.
The 69-year-old Belgium coach was at an empty FNB Stadium for the 175th Soweto derby, ahead of a gruelling week for his senior national side.
The Buccaneers controlled the match with 65% of the ball possession, but Chiefs did just about enough to edge out their fiercest rivals with a Keagan Dolly brace.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward netted his first goal minutes after the second-half whistle, but the Buccaneers equalised on the 87th minute through Linda Mntambo.
However, Olisah Ndah's foul on Khama Billiat in the penalty area gave the in-form Dolly a chance from the spot, and he made no mistake to ensure Chiefs left Soccer City with maximum points.
"Like always, such games are not always good games. But I find that Orlando Pirates were the better team, and it was a mistake by a player that they lost the game," said Broos, adding:
After four World Cup qualifying matches, Broos' Bafana charges remain at the top of Group G with 10 points, ahead of second-placed Ghana (9 points).
The Black Stars are South Africa's only threat heading into the final two matches, with the group winner advancing to the next round of qualifiers.
Ethiopia and Zimbabwe have no chance of advancing to the next round.
'Two players that I need'
On Thursday, 11 November (21:00), South Africa welcome the Warriors before boarding a plane to take on the Black Stars three days later on Sunday, 14 November (21:00).
However, Broos will have to do without veteran left-back Sifiso Hlanti as he tore his Achilles tendon.
The coach revealed that Bafana would also miss midfielder Mothobi Mvala, who is sidelined with an injury.
"Yes, also Hlanti and Mvala. Two players that I can need in games like against Ghana, for example.
"So, no, they are not there. But there will be others, and it is up to them to take their chances."
Meanwhile, Broos has called up AmaZulu defender Tercious Malepe as Hlanti's replacement.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City), Tercious Malepe (Amazulu), Thibang Phete (Belenenses SAD, Portugal)
Midfielders: Sphelelo Sithole (Belenenses SAD, Portugal), Thabani Zuke (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune United), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City), Keagan Dolly (Kaizer Chiefs)
Forwards: Fagrie Lakay (Cape Town City), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Pule Mmodi (Lamontville Golden Arrows)