Cardoso declines to comment on Ndamane’s disallowed goal

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has declined to offer an opinion on Khulumani Ndamane’s disallowed goal after his side reached the final despite a controversial refereeing decision.

The Masandawana defender appeared to have doubled Sundowns’ advantage in the 49th minute when he side-chested the ball into the net. However, referee Luxolo Badi ruled out the goal for handball, with the decision supported by an assistant official.

Replay footage showed that Ndamane had not handled the ball and that the goal should have stood. Its disallowance denied Sundowns a 2-0 lead in the match, although Cardoso’s team ultimately progressed to the final.

The tie finished 3-2 in regulation time and 3-3 on aggregate. The African champions advanced on the away goals rule, securing their place in the final despite the contentious decision involving Ndamane.

Cardoso was asked about the incident during his post-match press conference on SuperSport TV. The Portuguese coach did not criticise the officials or offer his own assessment, instead suggesting that the media should discuss whether the goal had been wrongly ruled out.

“I think it’s up to the press to speak, not from me,” he said.

“Thank you very much.”

His brief response brought an immediate end to questions about the decision, leaving the replay and the judgement of referee Badi and the assistant official as the focus of debate.

The incident came during a dominant performance by Sundowns, who managed to secure their passage to the final despite the goal being chalked off. Ndamane’s effort would have given the South African side a two-goal advantage early in the second half, but it was removed from the scoreline after the handball call.

That decision became one of the defining moments of the contest. While the goal did not stand, Sundowns still held on across the tie and progressed after the aggregate score was level at 3-3. The away goals rule ultimately separated the two teams.

Cardoso, however, chose not to add to the discussion. Rather than challenge the officials’ interpretation, he kept his comments limited to a single response before thanking the broadcasters and ending the exchange.

The final represents the outcome Sundowns were seeking from the tie, with the side overcoming the disputed call and advancing as the African champions. Their progress was confirmed by the away goals rule after the two legs could not be separated on aggregate.