sportskeeda
Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso expressed strong confidence in his team’s potential, stating that he expected them to progress to the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
Sundowns secured a 1-0 aggregate win over ES Esperance in the second leg of the quarter-finals held at Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi in Radès on Tuesday.
The match demanded extraordinary effort from Sundowns, enhanced by a stroke of luck. Esperance had a goal disallowed after a lengthy VAR review during the second half.
Sundowns also created multiple scoring opportunities, notably Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s attempt that went off target after he dribbled inside and Marcelo Allende’s shot that struck the crossbar.
Regardless, Sundowns’ careful and organized performance guaranteed their third consecutive semi-final appearance.
“It was a tough match, but I anticipated nothing less,” said Cardoso, who joined Sundowns in December of the previous year.
“We knew the level we needed to meet against the opponents we faced. It’s essential to note that this team reached the final of the Champions League last season. However, we trusted in our abilities and quality, believing that if we played correctly, we could overcome them.
“The challenge to our players was specifically about solidifying ourselves as a team to defeat Esperance.
“Tactically, I feel we approached the game well, allowing us to manage their offensive threats while remaining hopeful of scoring.
“Even though we didn’t find the back of the net, we were resilient enough to avoid conceding. We maintained control of the game according to its needs.
“I aimed to help as much as I could. I recognized the importance of reinforcing our defense to secure the win, and I can only praise the players for their professionalism.
I also want to dedicate this victory to the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters in South Africa, who bring us joy each day, and to the Motsepe family for their unwavering support for us, our players, and our staff. Now, let’s prepare for what lies ahead.
Sundowns will face the defending champions, Al Ahly, in the semi-finals later this month. Cardoso, who faced Al Ahly in last season’s final while coaching Esperance, is determined to alter that outcome. Furthermore, Sundowns have had impressive performances against Al Ahly in recent contests, including two instances where they netted five goals.
Cardoso described the victory over Esperance as a form of redemption for Sundowns, who suffered a painful semi-final defeat to the Tunisian team last season under his leadership. “I believed that winning on Tuesday and progressing would genuinely restore something I felt was lost, and I am pleased because of it. It was time to give back a little and bring joy to the other side as well,” he remarked.
