Cardoso targets MTN8 final as Sundowns seek comeback against Golden Arrows

Miguel Cardoso has challenged Mamelodi Sundowns to draw on their CAF Champions League experience and overturn a first-leg deficit against Golden Arrows to reach the MTN8 final.

Sundowns lost 1-0 to Golden Arrows at Atteridgeville on Sunday, with Sede Dion scoring the only goal of the match in the first half. Golden Arrows will now host the second leg on Saturday, knowing a victory would eliminate the defending Betway Premiership champions from the competition.

Cardoso has guided Sundowns to both the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League titles since taking charge in December 2024. However, domestic knockout competitions remain an unfinished part of his record in South Africa, and the Portuguese coach is eager to change that.

“Regarding cup finals, obviously it’s something that I told the boys that there is something missing on us, victories on domestic cups. It’s a minus, obviously. I want to put cups on my CV in South Africa and we still can,” said Cardoso.

The Sundowns manager believes his side must approach the second leg with the same intensity and resilience that helped them negotiate difficult moments in the CAF Champions League.

The Pretoria-based club have frequently faced demanding situations in Africa’s premier club competition, and Cardoso wants those experiences to provide the mentality required for their trip to Golden Arrows.

“I told my boys that this match should be played like the Champions League qualifying round. I even asked Denis (Onyango) to tell the boys what we need to do,” Cardoso said after the clash against Arrows.

Sundowns were unable to produce that response in the opening game, but Cardoso insists the tie remains within their reach because 90 minutes are still to be played.

“We didn’t do, but still there is 90 minutes. I just hope that spirit is lived by the team in the right way when we take the flight to go to Golden Arrows and we can do the second leg in the level we need to have. It will be tough, but it’s possible and it will be done.”

Golden Arrows, known as Abafana’Besthende, secured an important advantage with their home victory and will now attempt to protect it in front of their own supporters. Sundowns, meanwhile, must score if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the MTN8 final alive.

Cardoso is expected to make changes for the decisive match, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and defender Grant Kekana likely to return to the starting XI for the second leg.

The outcome will determine whether Sundowns can continue their pursuit of another domestic trophy or whether Golden Arrows can complete a notable cup upset by sending the Tshwane club out of the competition.