CAF Champions League: Miguel Cardoso vows Sundowns reaction after ‘big punch in our faces’

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his side must show character in the wake of their shock CAF Champions League elimination, insisting the season can still be salvaged.

The South African champions crashed out in the second preliminary round after drawing 1-1 with Angola’s Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, losing the tie on away goals following a goalless first leg.

Sundowns had not missed the Champions League group stage in 11 seasons before their early exit.

Tashreeq Matthews gave the hosts an 11th-minute lead, but Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência equalised three minutes after half-time to leave Sundowns searching in vain for a decisive second goal.

Despite registering 18 shots to Wiliete’s six, the home side could not find a way through, ending their continental campaign far earlier than expected.

Cardoso described the defeat as “a big punch in our faces” but declined to comment directly on whether his position was under threat.

Instead, he pointed to Sundowns’ recent achievements, including two Champions League semi-final appearances and two finals in the past four years, as evidence of the club’s standing in African football.

“This season we played for two trophies and won two trophies, we are leading the league in South Africa – it’s a big knockout this one, it’s a big punch in our faces, yes,” he said.

“But what will make us stronger is how we will react. There’s so many more things to win.”

The Portuguese coach accepted responsibility for the disappointment, stressing that the blame should not fall on any individual.

“I repeat it was a big punch in our faces, absolutely, on me – on the players, on everybody,” he said.

“When we win, everyone wins, when we lose, everyone loses. There are many reflections, many analysis that we will have to do together.”

Cardoso also rejected suggestions that the elimination had made the campaign a disaster, pointing to other competitions still available to Sundowns.

“Football happened today, obviously it’s horrible, we all wanted to win this competition, but this season is very far from being a catastrophe,” he said.

“We need to move forward and, as I said, there’s already a final in one and half weeks or two weeks to play in this stadium.”

The coach acknowledged that his team had failed to take advantage of its opportunities, revealing that he had challenged the players to settle the tie before the interval.

“We were not strong enough and in a game, football penalises when you are not strong enough, because you had your moments to finish the game,” he said.

“I told the boys at half-time you should have finished the game.”

Despite the setback, Cardoso refused to criticise his players, technical staff or the club’s management, instead calling for unity as Sundowns attempt to recover.

He said the team’s response to the defeat would determine how the setback was remembered.

“What is going to speak for Sundowns is the greatness that will come after this defeat,” he said.

“It’s proof of character that we have to give. But that proof of character, I’m sure we are willing to do it already from tomorrow. That will speak about us, not this moment today.”

Cardoso also urged supporters to remain behind the team as they turn their attention to the remaining domestic competitions.

“Strong inside the doors of Chloorkop, from now on there will be a lot of fire in us. We need to stay united, committed within each other,” he said.

“What we will need is our supporters to fill the stadium, bring the same energy and always lift the trophy. Move from there, there’s so many things to play for.”