Cardoso raises concerns over possible spying ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final first leg against AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has stirred intrigue on the eve of his side’s CAF Champions League final first-leg clash against Moroccan giants AS FAR, hinting at possible tactical intelligence-gathering ahead of the high-stakes encounter.

Speaking during his pre-match briefing in Tshwane, South Africa, Cardoso referenced concerns over footage and analysis of his team’s recent matches, suggesting that detailed video reviews of Sundowns’ performances had been accessed by their opponents.

“I know that AS FAR, on the following day, we played against Kaizer Chiefs, had a wide-angled video from our game… delivered,” Cardoso said. “I know because someone saw.”

The remarks add an extra layer of tension to what is already expected to be a tightly contested continental final, with both sides vying for a crucial advantage in the first leg.

The opening fixture will be played on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in Tshwane, South Africa, with kick-off scheduled for 16h00 local time (14h00 GMT).

Sundowns will be hoping to make full use of home advantage before heading into the return leg in Morocco.

With continental glory at stake, both sides are expected to approach the encounter with tactical caution, while Cardoso’s comments have only intensified the psychological build-up to one of African football’s biggest fixtures.