Miguel Cardoso acknowledges tough test awaits his side in Egypt - ‘We know the second leg is going to be difficult’

Mamelodi Sundowns played to a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final. The result puts pressure on them as they now travel to Egypt for the decisive second leg. The draw was not what the home fans expected, especially after taking the lead.

Sundowns struggled to maintain control and allowed their opponents to equalise late in the match. They now need to deliver a top performance away from home to keep their dream alive. A win in Cairo would see them reach the final and move a step closer to a second star.

Speaking after the game, coach Miguel Cardoso admitted the team must show more fight and discipline. He believes that with the right effort and attitude, Sundowns can achieve something special in Egypt.

“We must not fail at decisive moments in the match like we did because these games are decided on the small margins,” he said, adding this is not the time to panic and be emotional as reported by Sowetan.

“It is about small details but we have a strong group of players in the team. Let me not respond emotionally, it’s time to rest, put the foot on the ground and get proper energy.

“It is time to understand that the situation is there, this match is still open and we just have to believe because it took us a long way to arrive here. It is not time to give up, but it is time to pick the right energy to proceed.

“If it was a final of one match, we will still have to continue and we have 90 minutes to go. So, let’s pick the energy and go again. Of course we are not happy because 1-0 was much better than 1-1 but we should not feel that we are dead because that is the biggest mistake you can make.

“We know the second leg is going to be difficult, we need to take responsibility and it ‘s mostly mine because I try to manage the game as much as possible. But we find the energy to go and that’s for sure.”

Sundowns will look to draw inspiration from their last successful trip to Cairo. That previous visit saw them secure a crucial result and reach the final. Replicating that performance could turn their fortunes around. Their away record in Africa has improved and will be tested again. Getting to the final again would be a major statement of intent.

The second leg takes place in Cairo next weekend. Sundowns must win or secure a scoring draw to progress to the final.