Orlando Pirates were downcast, though going through a mix of emotions that included pride at their run and relief that it was all over, defender Ayanda Gcaba said after the Buccaneers' CAF Confederation Cup final defeat to Etoile du Sahel.

Pirates spent an extra day in Sousse yesterday after losing 1-0 in the second leg at Stade Olympique de Sousse on Sunday for a 2-1 aggregate defeat.

Bucs won admirers in Tunisia for their fighting display over two legs, where a goal from a defensive error in Johannesburg, then one from a deflected cross and goalkeeping error in Sousse stood between them and a first Confed Cup trophy.

Gcaba said it is a relief that, after a month-long wait from an epic semifinal victory against Al Ahly, Pirates can finally concentrate on turning around their unconvincing Absa Premiership form.

"It is a relief. Because it's been nine months on the road, away from our families, and really tough trips. It has taken a toll on some of the guys," the Bucs centre-back said.

"Now we have to use the break wisely because there is a tough one at the end of it against Mamelodi Sundowns [at Loftus on December 20]."

The PSL is in a break at present while the SA under-23s compete in the CAF championship.

Ammar Jemal profited from a Happy Jele error to score the all-important 87th-minute away goal in the drawn first leg.

The unfortunate Jele this time deflected a chip in the 24th minute that Bucs keeper Felipe Ovono spilled, allowing Jemal to score again.

"We did play well, even though it never came our way," Gcaba said.

"But we're very disappointed. We came here for a win. I think we gave it away at home with a 1-1 draw.

"The guys tried their best to create opportunities, and we did manage to get some."