Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso cut a frustrated figure after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal in Rwanda, a result that has left their CAF Champions League quarterfinal ambitions hanging in the balance.
The loss means the South African champions remain on five points in Group C, with qualification now dependent on results elsewhere as well as their own ability to recover in the final two fixtures.
For now, Sundowns’ destiny is no longer fully in their control. They will be watching closely on Sunday, hoping former coach Rhulani Mokwena can inspire MC Alger to beat St Eloi Lupopo and keep Sundowns in second place.
There is still a path forward, with an away trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo followed by a decisive home clash against MC Alger, but recent trends offer cause for concern.
Friday’s defeat extended a worrying run that has seen Sundowns win just once in their last 10 away Champions League matches, underlining a recurring issue on the continent.
Cardoso felt his team approached the contest with a clear plan and made a positive start.
“We knew how important it would be to control the game as much as possible. With the ball, we expected space because this is a team that presses heavily on one side of the pitch,” Cardoso told reporters. “Our intention was to move the ball quickly to the opposite side, where we could attack, stretch them and install ourselves higher up the field. I think we started the game quite well.
“Compared to the first match (a 2-2 draw in Pretoria), we knew we would be facing a higher defensive line and stronger pressure, so we selected players who could attack the space in behind. That is why we made changes in the front areas. In the first 20 minutes especially, we created the opportunities we had anticipated.
“There was a period where we started to play too quickly into the space behind the defence, without proper structure. That exposed us and made it harder to control the game. We gave energy to our opponents and allowed them to play the game they wanted, defending deep and then using space in transition. That created instability for us.”
