Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Confident Ahead of CAF Champions League Second Leg Against AS FAR
Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed optimism that his side can secure the CAF Champions League title despite travelling to Morocco for the decisive second leg against AS FAR. Sundowns hold a slender 1‑0 advantage after Aubrey Modiba’s first‑half free‑kick sealed the victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
First Leg Advantage Sets the Tone
The Johannesburg‑based club’s 1‑0 win gave them a crucial away‑goal buffer. Modiba’s set‑piece, delivered in the 23rd minute, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested encounter where both defences held firm.
- Goal scorer: Aubrey Modiba (free‑kick, 23’)
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Date: 26 October 2024 (first leg)
- Competition: CAF Champions League – Knockout stage
Cardoso acknowledged that a second goal would have made the trip to Rabat more comfortable, but he remains confident that Sundowns can find the net away from home.
“Let’s see if it’s enough. We’ll fight and do it. But I understand that the second goal could have been fairer given the level the team showed,”
Cardoso’s Message: Energy, Balance and Character
Drawing from his experience — this is Cardoso’s third consecutive CAF Champions League final appearance — he stressed that motivation must come from the present challenge rather than past results.
“We have to draw energy not from the result we would have achieved, but from the results we have in front of us,” Cardoso said, emphasizing a focused, game‑by‑game mindset.
The Portuguese tactician highlighted three pillars for the second leg:
- Aggression with discipline: Sundowns will press higher but avoid reckless challenges that could concede unnecessary goals.
- Tactical balance: Maintaining shape to prevent AS FAR from exploiting counter‑attacks, a factor that cost Sundowns dearly in the previous season’s final.
- Team character: Leveraging the squad’s resilience and leadership to stay composed under pressure.
Historical Context and Stakes
Mamelodi Sundowns have won the CAF Champions League twice (2016, 2019) and were runners‑up in 2020 and 2023. Cardoso, who took over the helm in 2022, guided the side to the final in his first season and has now reached three straight showdowns.
AS FAR, the Moroccan army club, boasts a rich continental pedigree, having lifted the trophy in 1985 and reaching the final most recently in 2022. Their home advantage at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat adds another layer of difficulty for the South African side.
According to CAF’s official match statistics, Sundowns averaged 58 % possession and completed 84 % of their passes in the first leg, while AS FAR managed 42 % possession with a 78 % pass accuracy.
Looking Forward: What Sundowns Must Do
To clinch the title, Sundowns need only avoid defeat in Rabat. However, Cardoso is clear that the aim is to win outright, reinforcing the squad’s attacking intent.
“If we had scored the second goal we could have had more pleasant results, but we have to play to win if we want to score there,” he added, underlining the importance of maintaining an offensive threat while staying defensively sound.
Analysts note that Sundowns’ midfield engine — led by Andile Jali and Thapelo Morena — will be crucial in controlling tempo and supplying Modiba and Peter Shalulile with service.
Conclusion
Miguel Cardoso’s blend of tactical acumen, man‑management, and personal experience provides Mamelodi Sundowns with a solid foundation as they embark on the second leg against AS FAR. While the away goal gives them a narrow edge, the coach’s emphasis on energy, balance, and character could prove decisive in securing the club’s third CAF Champions League trophy.
SowetanLive – Match report, 26 October 2024.
CAF Official Website – Statistics and historical data, accessed 3 November 2024.
