Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the MTN8 final after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arrows on Sunday, overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to draw 3-3 on aggregate and advance on the away-goals rule.
The Brazilians appeared to have taken control of the tie when Ndamane scored from close range after the interval. However, the goal was disallowed after the officials adjudged the Sundowns defender to have handled the ball.
Replays suggested the ball had not struck Ndamane’s arm, leaving Sundowns frustrated with the decision. Cardoso, however, remained convinced that his team had effectively scored four goals on the night.
“It’s not easy here to win 4-2. Today (Sunday) we made a fantastic, beautiful result,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV after the match.
“Four goals scored, so fantastic, fantastic. Anyway, we know what we had to do. The first goal was very emotional, positive. We knew that we had to circulate a lot the ball until we found the way there.”
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The Portuguese coach also highlighted the importance of getting the second goal, believing it would have effectively ended Arrows’ hopes while putting Sundowns in a stronger position in the tie.
“We also knew the second goal would kill the game but make it very difficult than the away goals will not be on our other side and we worked on that, of course,” he added.
Cardoso was ultimately pleased with the mentality shown by his players, particularly after falling behind in the first leg.
“I think the team deserved it. Congratulations, positive mindset, right attitude established and very good behaviour on the pitch,” he said.
Sundowns now turn their attention to Orlando Pirates, who await them in the MTN8 final with the dates, time and venue to be confirmed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL).