Miguel Cardoso explains why Mamelodi Sundowns conceded a late MTN8 equaliser against Orlando Pirates - 'We had too much heart and a little bit less brain than we needed'

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why the Premier Soccer League defending champions conceded a late equaliser against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 first-leg semi-final game on Saturday.

Sundowns took a lead when Teboho Mokoena scored in the first half before Kamogelo Sebelebele struck for the Sea Robbers.

While assessing the match, Cardoso pointed out what cost them a game that they were almost claiming a win from.

"We managed it with the resources that we have. I would like to have the capacity to put more power in the front, but in such an emotional match, it’s important that you put men to play. I think that, as I said, we had too much heart and a little bit less brain than we needed," Cardoso told SuperSport TV.

“It was a more emotional match than a rational match, and with different moments – in one moment one team was up, and in other moments the other team was in control. I think we should’ve had more brains and fewer emotions at the end of the match,” he added.

“But well, it’s not the final knockout match, but it’s the first of two, and sometimes the players in the ambience didn’t take hold of the moments, but it would’ve been important to keep it until the end."

“I already saw the goal we suffered; it’s obviously a mistake we should never do. But some good moments of football, some not so good. We’re in the half, and there’s a lot to do,” he continued.

While the draw should be a welcome result for under-fire Abdeslam Ouaddou, for Sundowns, that is understood to be a setback given that they conceded the equaliser late in the game, in fact, with a few minutes to go.

Ouaddou has been put under immense scrutiny given that Pirates have lost back-to-back league games. A loss against Sundowns would have made things worse for him.

They still have a huge fighting chance of defending their trophy, unlike if they had lost the first-leg encounter.

The fight now goes to the second-leg duel, which will be decisive, as each side knows the importance of the trophy.

At this early stage of the season, winning a trophy will surely boost the confidence of players, and that is what Sundowns and Pirates need ahead of a very busy season where they will take part in multiple competitions.