Eric Tinkler laments lack of 'killer instinct' after Sekhukhune United's first league defeat

The clash at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium was decided in the first half when Mokibelo Ramabu struck the decisive goal, which ended Babina Noko's unbeaten run in the league.

Sekhukhune had gone into the encounter as the only team yet to taste defeat this season, winning six and drawing two of their opening eight matches.

However, the loss saw them surrender top spot on the log. They now trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point, with the defending champions having played one game more and have collected 21 points, while Sekhukhune are on 20.

Tinkler admitted frustration at both the manner of the goal conceded and his team's lack of sharpness in the attacking third.

"I'm obviously disappointed that we dropped three points. I'm disappointed with how we conceded the goal because we discussed it ahead of the game," he said after the match.

"Polokwane don't play pretty football. They go long, there's no build-up or creativity - it's just putting the ball in the box. If you don't win the second ball, you're going to struggle, and that's exactly what happened."

The coach highlighted his side's failure to convert chances and unlock Polokwane's defensive approach.

"We struggled in the final third to find solutions. We needed more creativity, more eagerness, that killer pass. A lot of teams will sit in a low block against us, and we must find answers to break it down," he said.

Sekhukhune will look to bounce back quickly as they aim to keep pace with Sundowns in the title race.