Galaxy produced one of the standout results of the Last 16, claiming a memorable 2-0 victory over the reigning champions at a packed Solomon Mahlangu Stadium this past weekend to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Beganovic revealed he had expected some rotation from Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso following their recent league win over Orlando Pirates, but was taken aback by the scale of the changes.

"I expected at least five changes and then I saw before the game nine, I think ten with the keeper. Only one player played the previous game, it was number 10, Nuno Santos. I was so surprised," said the Downs coach.

That surprise quickly turned into belief for the Mpumalanga-based outfit. Galaxy responded with an aggressive high press, forcing Sundowns into hurried decisions and disrupting their rhythm.

"All the players there are high-quality. But it's not the same when you put nine or ten new players together at the same time to play," Beganovic explained, stressing that cohesion is vital in knockout football.

The absence of Sundowns' regular goalkeeper Ronwen Williams further encouraged Galaxy to push higher up the pitch.

"It's not the same to defend when Ronwen Williams is in goal. Without him, it gave us belief to press the last line and be brave," he said.

Galaxy capitalised fully, winning second balls, dictating the tempo and scoring twice before half-time.

Beganovic also defended the decision to stage the match in Mpumalanga, insisting it was about connecting with supporters rather than seeking an advantage, and added that having studied Sundowns closely in recent weeks, he felt his side deserved the result.

"It's important for TS Galaxy to give back to this region and to these beautiful fans. We stayed true to our approach. We deserved to win and to go through. We stayed true to our approach. We deserved to win and to go through," he concluded.

Orlando Pirates aim to stay in title hunt against Sekhukhune United