Mamelodi Sundowns secured a commendable 1-0 away triumph against Tunisian heavyweights Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Sunday. However, coach Miguel Cardoso is urging his players to push for an even better performance to ensure they finish the job.
The second leg is set to take place in Pretoria this Saturday, as Sundowns aim to reach the final for the second consecutive year, following their disappointment against Pyramids FC last season.
Brayan Leon’s solitary goal was the difference in the first leg, although Esperance had their opportunities, and Sundowns were forced to deal with the dismissal of their experienced defender Grant Kekana.
“The match unfolded as I anticipated,” remarked former Esperance coach Cardoso. “Our possession wasn’t quite where we wanted it to be, which meant we struggled to establish our game at times.”
“After the red card, it became even more difficult. Our aim was to consolidate our position in the final moments and hold onto the lead.”
Cardoso expresses his desire to reach a third consecutive final in the Champions League, having suffered defeats in the previous two campaigns with Esperance (against Al Ahly) and Sundowns. He cautioned his players to be ready for a fierce response from the Tunisians this weekend.
“If you don’t approach the game with the intention to win, you could find yourself in trouble, and that is the only way this team knows how to play,” he stressed. “The players grasped the different phases of the match.”
“This is a Champions League semi-final; it’s not a showcase, but rather a battle for results and quality performances, which both teams are striving for.”
“That’s exactly how it will play out in Pretoria. The team that manages the game better will undoubtedly be the one to take the next step forward.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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