Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is confident about his outfit securing qualification to the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League campaign despite their inconsistent performance.
The South African giants succumbed to 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal in the fourth round of the group stage at the Stade Amahoro, posing threat to their qualification chances.
After four matches, the Brazilians find themselves in the second spot with five points and risk of losing their place to Saint Eloi Lupopo, who takes on MC Alger on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The defeat comes at a time when Cardoso has been under so much pressure at the Chloorkop side amid speculation that former coach, Pitso Mosimane, is to be appointed.
Despite the setback, Cardoso remain confident, stressing their next fixture will be crucial as they aim for qualification.
“As I said last year, when I arrived in the club last year, we were in a difficult situation,” said Cardoso after the game.
“We played two, the first match home, we won and we lost away. I feel the fourth match, we had five points exactly like now.
“Obviously, there’s still a match to play and we will see what is going to happen. But for sure, it’s tight, five points is not enough.
“We need to think that next game is very important, probably not decisive depending on the result. But I think this group will be decided in the last match.”
That last match will be against MC Alger on the 13th of February at home as now Sundowns are second of Group C with five points.
