Miguel Cardoso refuses to take comfort after Mamelodi Sundowns blow away Remo Stars in CAF Champions League clash

Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Remo Stars 5-1 in a CAF Champions League second preliminary round, first leg match at MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday.

It was a crucial away victory which makes it a torrid task for the Nigerian side to launch a successful comeback when they travel to Pretoria for the second leg this weekend.

But Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso is trying to dress himself in humility, refusing to view themselves as having already reached the group stage.

“Obviously, our players are Mamelodi Sundowns players,” Cardoso said as per Sportswire.

“It’s not South Africa playing; it’s not Bafana Bafana — it’s Mamelodi Sundowns. This was another story to be written, and my impression is that we took it very seriously.

“We understood the need to approach this game tactically with clarity, especially considering Remo Stars’ man-marking system across the pitch. The players applied what we worked on during the week and kept their attitude throughout.

“Of course, we should not have conceded, but I think the result is fair. Still, it’s important to remember that this is just the first match,” added the Portuguese.

“Of course, the scoreline gives us an advantage, but we respect football. To respect football means we must approach the second match as seriously as possible. The qualifying round is not over, and Mamelodi Sundowns will be professional and focused in the return leg.”

Chances of the Remo Stars coming back look slim, given the Tshwane giants' quality and formidable home record.

It is unimaginable for Sundowns fans to believe their team could falter in the second leg to bow out of this competition.

The Champions League has become Masandawana’s top priority even though it has been eluding them since 2016.

With the margin of victory in Nigeria, it is to be seen if Cardoso will stick to the team that thumped The Sky Blue Stars for the second leg in Pretoria.

Players who have been struggling to command regular football might be thrown in to play in what would be an opportunity to prove themselves to the coach and get valuable minutes ahead of a long season of title chasing.