CAF Champions League: Miguel Cardoso rallies Sundowns ahead of decisive clash against AS FAR showdown in Rabat

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has underlined the importance of discipline, balance and set-piece strength as his side prepare for the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday.

Sundowns carry a slender advantage into the return fixture, but Cardoso believes the contest will ultimately be decided by fine margins, particularly in dead-ball situations at both ends of the pitch.

“We need to really be strong as well on the defensive and offensive set pieces. And that’s how you can win a match like this,” he said.

Beyond the tactical demands, the Portuguese coach reflected on the emotional weight of the campaign, describing the journey to this point as both demanding and rewarding for his squad.

“The sensation that we have is obviously a sensation of pride, of a sense of work done. Obviously, we are at that point where there’s nothing more than to prepare and fight to the end,” Cardoso said.

“It has been such a beautiful journey, a difficult one, with moments of joy, happiness, tears, sweat, hard work, that my players have done in such a committed way.”

With the continental title within reach, Cardoso stressed that motivation inside the camp is anchored on finishing the job and delivering silverware that has eluded the club for a decade.

“Mostly we want to do the best we can in order to lift the trophy and give to the club what it has been searching for over the last 10 years,” he added.

He also pointed to the mentality within the squad, saying success at this level is inseparable from winning major honours, while emphasising their determination to seize a second chance after last season’s disappointment.

“Obviously, we understand that careers are made by winning trophies, and we’re going to fight tomorrow. We have that as a clear ambition and that’s why we want so much to do it.

“The commitment that we have since last year, when we didn’t achieve the victory, has been stronger than ever in order to try and get a second chance. And here we are,” Cardoso said.

Kick-off for the highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for 14:00 GMT as Sundowns aim to complete their continental mission away from home.