Defiant Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed the “best thing” he shared with his players following their disappointing 1-1 draw with Pyramids FC at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
Masandawana seemed poised to win the CAF Champions League first-leg in Pretoria 1-0 until the last 30 seconds of the match.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa had given the Brazilians the lead in the 54th minute. However, a lapse in concentration allowed the visitors to secure the crucial equaliser through Walid El Karti. The away goal makes the upcoming match in Cairo a bit more challenging for Masandawana.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese mentor, Cardoso, knows the “best thing” that will motivate his players as they aim for victory in Cairo.
CARDOSO: ‘THAT’S THE BEST THING I CAN TELL THE BOYS…’
“We need to not fail in the decisive moments like we did today [Saturday],” Cardoso said. “These games are decided on the limit. If you remember the ball that went on the left, that gets crossed is the ball that Thapelo [Morena] gets and goes on attack. The ball goes a little bit in front, and he loses the ball.
“It’s details I think we have a strong group that needs now to react emotionally. It’s time now to rest and get the proper energy, to put the feet on the ground and understand that things are there and they’re open.”
In a memorable encounter on December 19, 2023, Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory against Pyramids FC, thanks to a decisive first-half goal by Teboho Mokoena at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo during a Group A round four match.
Saturday marked the third meeting between the two teams. Pyramids have yet to defeat the South African champions, having drawn twice and lost once.
“Last year [December 2023], that’s the best thing I can tell the boys, they won 1-0 away. So, just believe because it took a long way to arrive here [the final]. It’s not time to give up. It’s time to pick the right energy in order to proceed,” he added.
Cardoso emphasised the importance of staying focused and acknowledged that a 1-0 win would have been preferable. He urged his players to concentrate on the upcoming match in Cairo, recognising the challenge they face.
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