Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed the half-time message that inspired his men against AS Maniema.
Sundowns staged an impressive smash and grab after trailing for the better part of their CAF Champions League match away in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
They won 2-1 courtesy of Peter Shalulile’s strike and an own goal by Exaucia Moanda of AS Maniema.
For a moment, it looked like Cardoso and his men were headed for a defeat as the hosts held on after scoring first.
AS Maniema’s approach as well as the pitch conditions made it difficult for Sundowns’ play to flow.
And at halftime, Cardoso encouraged his men to stick firmly to their advanced offensive approach, demanding precision and focus.
WHAT CARDOSO TOLD HIS PLAYERS AT HALF-TIME
Cardoso’s instructions were clear that they must battle to score one goal at least to achieve a draw. And he expected each player to be positionally disciplined.
“I believe in my players. I told them at half-time that they have to play for one goal. We didn’t need to play for two because that would give us high emotions.
“I knew that one would give us the energy to keep fighting for the second one. I told them to believe on the first goal because it would make a difference.
“Even a draw would have been something better to lead us to the next game. One goal would also increase the level of stress on the opponent.
“And to be honest, we risked a lot, we could have been penalised because of that,” Cardoso said.
For Sundowns, Peter Shalulile was the hero after scoring a crucial goal after 83 minutes to level matters at the Stade des Martyrs.
He replaced Thapelo Morena in the 79th minute before scoring to cancel Jephte Kitambala’s 38th minute strike for AS Maniema.
Shalulile then forced defender Moanda to accidentally score a goal against his own team in the stoppage time.
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