AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane praised his players’ effort despite their narrow defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Usuthu suffered back-to-back defeats in the Betway Premiership following their 1-0 loss to Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.

The defeat leaves AmaZulu sitting in fifth place in the Betway Premiership standings, level on 30 points with fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs after 18 matches.

Despite the loss, Zwane emphasised crediting his players for their commitment, even as disappointment lingers.

“I think we were close to executing the plan. I believe we could have done better when I look at the chances that we created,” said Zwane.

“Had we converted one in the first half, it could have been a different game altogether. But it wasn’t to be. Football is a game of mistakes, but this is one game I wouldn’t want to criticise my players. I would rather give them credit even though I’m disappointed that we lost.”