Miguel Cardoso is determined to secure a victory when Mamelodi Sundowns face Al Ahly at home, as he insists his team must triumph to reach the CAF Champions League final.
The Brazilians have lifted the continental trophy only once in their history, defeating Zamalek 3–1 over two legs in 2016. Their previous attempt in 2001 ended in disappointment, as they fell to Al Ahly in their only other final appearance.
Despite past setbacks, Sundowns have shown resilience against the Egyptian giants on home soil, winning four and drawing three of their seven encounters in South Africa. This solid record boosts Cardoso’s confidence ahead of the crucial first leg.
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Overall, Sundowns have won five, lost six, and drawn six of their 16 meetings with Al Ahly, but Cardoso believes this is their moment to rise to the occasion.
Having moved on from the disappointment of his side’s controversial Nedbank Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, Cardoso explained that the runaway Betway Premiership leaders intend to end the season with more than one trophy.
He said in the Sowetan: “We have a tough competition ahead against such a strong team – [it’s] obviously a challenge. But we have to beat them. The club did win in the past, so let’s try our best.
“And from there we will hope we will have a final to play and several league matches to play until the end, and to raise trophies.”
Reflecting on the Chiefs defeat where it appeared as his side were knocked out by an off-side goal, the Downs boss added: “It was not our best game.
“We should have done better, we can do better. But let’s not penalise ourselves too much. I don’t think we get more energy out of a loss [but] I think we should have started stronger against Amakhosi.”