‘Sundowns has to be proud’: Cardoso on draw against Mokwena

Miguel Cardoso. Picture courtesy of Thabang Mofutsanyane/ENK Sports

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has made an honest admission about sharing the spoils with Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger in the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians played to a tightly contested goalless draw against Alger away from home in their second match of the group stage. Sundowns opened their Group C campaign with a dominant 3-1 victory over FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last weekend.

After proving their superiority against Lupopo, Sundowns were looking to defeat the Algerian giants to keep themselves in the driving seat. In a match against MC Alger, Sundowns struggled for firepower in the final third after finishing the game without a shot on target.

On the other hand, Alger had moments to punish Sundowns; however, they could not convert their chances and win the encounter at home.

Despite a shaky performance from Sundowns, Miguel Cardoso says they should be proud of themselves after describing the performance against Alger as ‘dominant’.

WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT SUNDOWNS’ DRAW AGAINST MOKWENA

“I think that it was a beautiful match, played by two good teams. I think Sundowns have to be proud of the match that we did,” Cardoso said.

Mamelodi Sundowns in action against MC Alger. Picture courtesy of Mamelodi Sundowns/Facebook

“We had the intention to control the match, and I think we had absolute control of the match. Anyway, good strategy from MC Alger closing the middle with a diamond, the space that we are quite strong on using.

“We knew that space would be a big fight because both teams have the quality to play inside, and it was also important that we had numbers inside.

“But for people who like the tactical match, it was a beautiful match. We respect what happened on the pitch in a fantastic ambience. Sometimes it’s difficult to play and manage emotions. I think both teams showed maturity in managing the different moments.

“Fantastic organisation, good pressure on the opponents and not allowing many entries in the box, and we would have loved to take three points, but we’ll take one and prepare for the future.”