Miguel Cardoso in a fix as Mamelodi Sundowns hit dry patch ahead of crucial Caf Champions League clash with Al Ahly - 'You will not score goals coming from the sky'

Mamelodi Sundowns have failed to win their last three games, including last weekend's Caf Champions League semi-final, first-leg clash with Al Ahly at Loftus Versfeld.

Their difficult run has also seen the Brazilians scoring just three goals in their last five games, unusual for a side known to be ruthless to opponents.

It is the first time for coach Miguel Cardoso to go for three successive games without tasting victory since taking charge of Masandawana last December and he comes out to address their struggle for goals.

“But also, you must understand the moment we score four goals, go check how the other team played against us, most of them in back five, some in back six, dropping wingers to follow our full-backs and we struggle to create," said Cardoso as per iDiski Times. 

“When we played AmaZulu it was a narrow game and not beautiful because they defend and defend — we play Sekhukhune they do the same, they defended for 90 minutes plus 30, and no disrespect to the teams and intentions, I’m just stating this. 

“Then it’s obvious if they close so much you will not score goals coming from the sky, you just need to score more than them," added the Portuguese trainer.

"I believe now until the end of the season, that is what we will face, a lot of narrow teams with high stimulus to not concede against us but I believe we will always score one more than the opponent to get the results we need to get.”

The Brazilians will be hoping the dry patch will not have a psychological effect on them going into Saturday's crucial match against Al Ahly.

Already, Cardoso has admitted to the crisis in his team, although he has leapt in to defend attacker Licas Ribeiro Costa who has been struggling for goals, having last scored at the beginning of March after starting the season on fire.

Masandawana's attacking frailties also come at a time when the coach has been benching striker Iqraam Rayners, who like Ribeiro, started the season on a high.

Cardoso is expected to either start or at least give significant minutes to captain Themba Zwane on Friday after the 35-year-old featured for 20 minutes in the first-leg against Al Ahly last weekend, his first minutes since an achillies injury ruled him out for several months.

Despite his lack of playing time, Zwane's experience and creativity would be key for a match of such magnitude.