University of Pretoria coach Steve Barker felt his side were 'unlucky' to get knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Maritzburg United on Saturday.
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The Team of Choice booked their place in the next round of the competition as they saw off AmaTuks 4-2 on penalties in the last-32 clash.
The teams could not be separated after 120 minutes of action at the Tuks Stadium, with Cuthbert Malajila firing home the winning spot-kick for Ernst Middendorp's side in the shoot-out.
"It's not what we wanted, we haven't won, so we are out of the cup," Barker said. "I thought we were the better team. In the second-half I don't think they had a shot on goal, we lacked a bit of composure in the final third.
"I felt that we were unlucky not to win it in extra-time. I feel that we may be lacking that killer instinct right now, and with composure in that final third to get the job done.
"Obviously it wasn't an easy cup draw for us. The teams are well matched, if you look at the PSL log, one point separated the two teams, so it was always going to be a tough game and a battle of the team who wanted it the most during normal time.
"Now we have to concentrate on the league, get the players refreshed mentally and physically for our next league game which is a tough one ahead."
With AmaTuks back in Premiership action on Tuesday evening at SuperSport United, Barker felt his decision to give some of his fringe players some game-time at the weekend was a necessity.
"What I am pleased with is that players were given an opportunity, players like Charly Moussouno and Warren Bishop were superb," he explained. "Warren is really strong, so it's good to know that players that may have been on the fringes put their hands up.
"I felt that we blocked them out and I was well pleased with the effort defensively."
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