Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock exit from the Carling Knockout Cup has prompted an honest assessment from coach Miguel Cardoso, who shared his candid take on the Tshwane giants’ setback in the Round of 16.
The Brazilians crashed out of the Carling Cup after suffering a 7-6 defeat against Marumo Gallants on penalties at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.
Sundowns and Gallants went to penalties after the two sides could not be separated and played to a goalless draw in 120 minutes.
Masandawana produced a lacklustre performance against the Bloemfontein-based side, after failing to create realistic goal-scoring opportunities to put themselves in a good position to win the match.
Interestingly, Sundowns had a good run in the Carling Cup last season, going all the way to the final where they lost 2-1 against Magesi FC. The disappointing loss in the Carling Cup in the previous campaign saw the club make coaching changes, firing Manqoba Mngqithi. The latter was replaced by Cardoso.
WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT SUNDOWNS’ CARLING KNOCKOUT CUP SETBACK
Despite falling short in the cup, Cardoso says they dominated the match from start to finish, and Gallants intended to defend for the entire match.
“I think this is one game we controlled from the first minute until the 90th minute, and the entire extra-time,” Cardoso said.
“Around the 50th minute, we played with one player less [Miguel Reisinho red carded]. We were totally in control of the match. The players took the responsibility of winning the match from the very beginning. We had the right plan and also managed to adjust. As Sundowns we understood what was happening on the pitch.
“And the other team found a bonus in penalties. They just defended and opposed our attacks. I think compared to the game we played against Marumo [in the league], it was completely different.
“Today [Saturday], we were in complete control of the match. No chances at all for the opposition. Very good on duels, the way we controlled spaces. But football sometimes doesn’t give credit to the ones that take responsibility.”
Cardoso added: “And when we arrived in penalties, there’s nothing we could do. It’s a matter of details, and details fell for Marumo Gallants.”
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