The Lions were beaten in Durban after their stirring comeback proved just too late.
South Africa were 26-7 ahead at one stage, but second-half tries from Tom Croft - his second of the game - and Mike Phillips gave the hosts an almighty scare.
O’Connell told Sky Sports 1: “I think we ran out of time. But when the ref gives that many penalties against you, you don’t really stand a chance. It was just penalty after penalty after penalty.
“Undoubtedly some were our fault but it was a killer for us.”
The Irishman felt though the Lions’ performance bodes well for the coming Tests.
He added: “(I am) very encouraged. We are playing a good brand of rugby.”
What is your verdict on the performance? Have your say.
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