Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahli as Cardoso dedicates victory to Jayden Adams

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players after their 2-1 victory over Asian champions Al Ahli at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

A brace from Nuno Santos secured the win, sending Sundowns through to the Challenger Cup in the Intercontinental Cup.

Cardoso dedicated the result to the late Jayden Adams, saying the former player had inspired the team in spirit. He also referred to Khuliso Mudau’s injury during his post-match interview with SuperSport.

“In this moment, let’s look in the sky and embrace our brother Jayden Adams. It’s his soul today that gave us the strength and let’s remind Khuliso Mudau that’s also his injury,” Cardoso said.

“It’s important we respect the game, but we don’t respect no one.”

Cardoso clarified that his message was about Sundowns competing fearlessly rather than showing disrespect to their opponents.

“Don’t take me wrong, I mean respect what’s happening on the pitch, fight harder to have the ball, be humble for that but be proud to be yourselves,” he said.

“I said I want Sundowns on the pitch today and we had it. Thank you very much South Africa.”

The Portuguese coach also dedicated the result to everyone connected with the club, including chairman, the players and Mr Flemming.

“Thank you very much Mamelodi Sundowns, this one is for this beautiful people here, all of them, for our chairman, the players, Mr Flemming, beautiful moment,” Cardoso said.

He described the win as a landmark occasion for Sundowns and said it would remain part of the club’s history.

“Let’s embrace also because it’s a beautiful moment today, it’s a big, big one this one that will stay in the history forever,” he added.