Mamelodi Sundowns ‘respect the game but no-one else’ – Cardoso

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso said his side respect football but not their opponents after the African champions defeated Asian champions Al Ahli Saudi SC 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Nuno Santos scored twice as Sundowns produced a spirited display against Al Ahli SC at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.

The victory also sent Masandawana through to the Challenger Cup final, where they will face either Mexico’s Toluca or the CONMEBOL champions, who have yet to be decided.

Cardoso stressed that his comments were about Sundowns’ attitude and belief on the pitch, rather than a lack of regard for the opposition.

“Look, in this moment, let’s look at the sky and embrace our brother Jayden Adams,” the Portuguese coach told SuperSport TV after the match.

“It is so great that today he gave us the extra strength.

“It’s important we respect the game, but we don’t respect no one. Don’t take me wrong.

“I mean playing, believing in us, respect what’s happening in the pitch, work hard when we had the ball, be humble for that but be pride and proud to be yourself.”

Cardoso said he had challenged his players to show the identity of Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.

“I told [the players] I want to see Sundowns on the pitch today and we had it,” he added.

The coach dedicated the result to the supporters, the club’s chairman, the players and Mr Flemming Berg, while also thanking South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Thank you very much South Africa, thank you very much Mamelodi Sundowns,” he said.

“This one is for these beautiful people here, all of them. For our chairman, for the players, Mr Flemming [Berg].”