Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is positively embracing the challenges that lie ahead in the CAF Champions League knockout stages.
This comes after the Brazilians stormed into the quarter-finals of Africa’s premier club competition following a 2-0 win over MC Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
Masandawana went into that match pressed to win, while Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger needed just a draw to confirm a spot in the next round.
But Sundowns turned on the style in front of their fans to end a four-match winless run in the Champions League that threatened to have their campaign end in the group phase.
Saturday’s victory might have also bought more time for Cardoso, who has been under pressure due to an inconsistent run on both the domestic front and the continent.
Cardoso’s job has been under threat, especially as Sundowns hosted MC Alger while facing the risk of exiting the tournament.
However, the Tshwane giants are still in the Champions League, a piece of silverware that has eluded them since clinching it in 2016.
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“We just won one match, and it’s not because we won one match that we become the best in the world. If we had not won, we would be the worst,” said Cardoso.
“Sometimes the difference on the coaches, the players, everything, on analysis changes a lot because of one match. But I think we had a hell of a match, a good match.
“Sometimes the problems offer solutions to be solved. There is another one on Wednesday [PSL tie against Orlando Pirates], so let’s enjoy the pleasure of this victory.
“Let’s enjoy the fact that we are amongst the best on the continent again. To the knockout stages, tough problems, tough questions ahead, but beautiful ones. I’m quite excited, obviously, with the performance of the boys.
“It was really beautiful to see how they were committed. Most of the time, I was seated on the bench than usual because there are moments when you understand the flow is happening on the pitch and the boys understand what they have to do.”
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