Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to his first defeat in charge, following their loss to Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League.
The nine-man Masandawana fell to the Moroccan giants on Saturday night, ending their four-match winning streak.
Interestingly, Cardoso’s first match as Sundowns coach was also against Raja in December, which the Brazilians won 1-0.
They then went on to defeat Stellenbosch FC, AmaZulu FC, and Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership.
Cardoso says Raja applied a high-line defensive strategy, which limited Sundowns’ attacking options, particularly behind the defence.
He also emphasised the impact of conceding a goal just before halftime, which disrupted their momentum in the game.
CARDOSO SHARES THOUGHTS ON RAJA CLASH
“It was obviously a difficult match. I think that first half especially we had to cope with a lot of pressure that reduces the spaces to play,” said Cardoso.
“We were not able to find the spaces that were available, mostly on the back of their defence.
“They put their defensive line very high. So, we struggled a little bit to find the spaces.
“But what really changed the game is the way we suffered a goal in the last minutes of the first half because it’s always mentally, emotionally difficult to deal with a goal in the last minutes when we need to reorganise the team.
“We had just lost one player, so we needed to arrive at half-time in order for us to eventually make all the arrangements and tactically position the team in the best way.
“Even suffering the goal, we did it. It was clear that during the second half we managed to control the game.”
Cardoso expressed disappointment over their missed scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half when they appeared to have the upper hand.
“We just gave some opportunities in counter-attack for Raja. Unfortunately, we were not able to score. We managed tactically different approaches on the second half.
“After the red card, we rebalanced the team in order to try to make it our best to win. We had two free moments. We didn’t take advantage from them.
“Unfortunately, the result is what it is. Now it’s important to focus on the next one, look forward, look for what we have ahead. It’s an important match now to play away with Maniema.
“So, let’s recover as much as we can our players. Let’s also see, because we lost three players for the next match, let’s try to see who is ready and in condition to give the answer we need.
“For sure, we’ll do it and see the best tactical approach so we can win the next match and make the qualification closer, obviously,” he added.
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