Junior Dion scored the only goal of the game for a narrow lead heading into their semi-final second leg at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
While Sundowns only made it as far as the semi-finals last season before losing to eventual champions Orlando Pirates, Arrows last appeared in the 2021 competition where they suffered a semi-final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Speaking ahead of the game, Cardoso explained that they are facing a very strong Arrows side that are yet to concede a goal in six cup and Betway Premiership matches.
“Let’s see if we’re strong enough to go to Arrows and get the result we need. It will happen, but let’s see if we’re capable enough because it is a good test at the moment,” Cardoso said in the Citizen.
“How many goals have they suffered until now? It’s almost zero, they are doing well and they will test us. Let’s see how far we are at the moment but there’s a lot to do up front whatever happens at the weekend.”
Cardoso also expressed his frustration after being criticised for the loss, despite responding with a comprehensive 5-2 league win over AmaZulu on Wednesday.
“People around always try to create instability. They come from outside to try and create instability, but we know this business already and we manage it with peace,” added the head coach.
“It’s important that people respect the work that is being done in this club. This club has just won the Champions League that was not won in South Africa for 10 years but there’s no respect for it because we lost one match.”