Cardiff defender Roger Johnson believes their FA Cup final performance proved they are good enough for the top flight.
A solitary goal from Kanu was enough for Portsmouth to claim the famous trophy at Wembley but the Bluebirds could certainly return to Wales with their heads held high.
On-loan goalkeeper Peter Enckelman failed to hold on to John Utaka's 37th-minute cross and Kanu was on hand to punish the mistake, firing in from close range.
It gave the Barclays Premier League side a first FA Cup triumph in 69 years, ensuring the Bluebirds' fairytale run to their first final since 1927 ended in disappointment.
Johnson revealed his frustration at the way they conceded, blaming "individual errors" and he insisted the club, who finished 12th in the Coca-Cola Championship, had created more opportunities than their opponents.
"It's been the story of our season," Johnson said. "We have murdered teams and we don't take our chances.
"We did create enough chances to at least score and the clean sheet flatters them a little bit.
"We know we are good enough. We pass the ball and that's what you need to do in the Premier League.
"But the Championship is a tough division, you get sucked into other teams' way of playing."
The defeat meant Dave Jones' side ended the campaign with nothing to show for their efforts and Johnson admits his summer will be spent ruing missed opportunities in the league and cup.
"It's been a good season but a disappointing season because I think we have missed out on two good chances really," he added.
"We have not got in the play-offs. We have a good enough squad to push for the title in this league and it was the year to do it.
"Look at the final, Hull and Bristol City. In my view, it's not a great a final is it? But they're there, so fair play to them.
"If we had scored first I think we would have gone on and won two or three nil.
"It's nice to do down in history and be in the final but I'll have to tell everyone I was a losing finalist, which isn't nice.
"It's been a big season. I feel as though we have missed out but I'm very proud of what I have achieved and what the team have achieved."
The defender could yet find himself in the Barclays Premier League next season if reports are to be believed, with Middlesbrough among the sides claimed to be interested.
However, the former Wycombe centre-back insists he could sign a new deal at Ninian Park over the summer.
"I hope so, I have another year to run," he added.
"We will see what happens in the summer with the chairman and the manager.
"I am sure they will offer a few new deals out so hopefully I will be one of them."
