Cardoso warns Mamelodi Sundowns must improve set pieces after MTN8 escape

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his side must address their defensive problems at set pieces after they conceded twice from dead-ball situations in a 3-2 extra-time victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final.

The African champions eventually secured their place in the next round at Lucas Moripe Stadium, but only after being pushed all the way by Rise and Shine.

Both of Polokwane City’s goals came from free-kicks delivered into the Sundowns penalty area. Sundowns struggled to deal with the aerial threat and allowed their opponents to recover from 2-0 down and force the match into extra time.

Substitute Cassius Mailula, making his return to the club, settled the contest with a late winner. However, Cardoso acknowledged that his team still have considerable work to do at this early point in the season.

“Look, today we were saying that last season we suffered three goals from set pieces. Today we suffered two. That is the story of the game,” Cardoso said.

The Portuguese coach also said Polokwane City’s physical, man-to-man defensive approach made it difficult for Sundowns to find openings during the match.

“The man-to-man marking that Polokwane City put on the pitch was obviously very physical, very demanding,” Cardoso noted. “I think we reacted very well to the goal that we suffered. We made a beautiful first half, trying to escape from that man-to-man marking, finding the spaces to penetrate.

“I think we had chances even to score more. Obviously, suffering another goal from set pieces brings a lot of energy to the opponent and then it’s a matter of pursuit. We are still not at our best physically, it’s clear. Our pre-season was quite tough.”

Despite the defensive shortcomings, Cardoso praised the determination shown by his players as they worked to avoid an upset and complete their progression in the competition.

“Beautiful answer from the players, beautiful answer. A lot of intention, a lot of commitment,” he added. “And happy for the result, obviously, and it’s the beginning of the season.

“I think that also the other match today was in the last minute, a goal, so it’s what it is. I think it was a beautiful match for the beginning of the season.”

Sundowns’ victory came on a day when the other MTN8 match was also decided by a goal in the final minute, underlining the drama of the opening stage of the season.

Cardoso accepted that his team were not yet operating at their best physically, but their ability to respond after conceding and their late winner were enough to carry them through a demanding quarter-final.

The result keeps Mamelodi Sundowns’ MTN8 campaign alive, although their coach will now expect improvements in defending set pieces after the side’s latest escape.