Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his frustration after his team conceded a late goal against AS FAR Rabat, denying them top spot in their CAF Champions League Group C.
Sundowns had taken an early lead through Peter Shalulile in the 12th minute, but conceded in the 83rd minute to Amin Zouhzouh, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Cardoso criticized his players for a lack of attention to detail and for failing to capitalize on their numerous chances. Speaking to SABC Sport after the match, he said:
“Bitter sensation was when we arrived here that the group was very difficult,”
“This was a very tough group from the very beginning and the situation was not comfortable. So, arriving here and going through the group stage I think it was obviously an accomplishment.
“Obviously, that’s when we’re winning the game with 20 minutes to finish in total control of the game. We didn’t expect to get the draw, we expected to finish the game and win.
“It’s football and you need to pay attention to the details. I think it’s a little bit stupid goal the one that we suffered and, in the end, of course you don’t get first position.
“Let’s speak about what we gonna do in the next moment. Let’s wait for the draw and see what will happen then,” Cardoso said.
When asked if his substitutions were made too late, Cardoso defended his decisions, stating: “No, we were okay, we were comfortable, and the team was managing the game,”.
“And as you saw we changed, and the things didn’t go well. Sometimes we expect things to happen, and they don’t. Intention was to get more control of the game and because also for AS FAR they were aggressive too much,” he added.
“But we made a mistake and lost one player and suffered a goal.
“Champions League is like that. One mistake and it’s a goal and we pay for it.”