Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso believes tactical discipline, not miracles, will unlock a path to the CAF Champions League final.
The South African champions face Al Ahly in Cairo on Friday after a goalless first leg in Pretoria.
Cardoso admitted the return fixture will be another major test. Speaking ahead of the clash, the Portuguese coach urged calmness and focus, stressing that top-level opponents demand patience.
He defended his side’s recent dip in goals, citing the high calibre of opposition they’ve faced. Sundowns have netted just four times in their last six games, a run that includes tough encounters with Esperance, Al Ahly, Sekhukhune, and Kaizer Chiefs.
“It is important to understand the type of games we are playing, we recently played against Esperance of Tunisia and then Al Ahly of Egypt in the Champions League and Sekhukhune and Kaizer Chiefs in the Cup. The number of goals scored will certainly go down, which is normal when the level of opponents increases,” he said.
“But also, we have to study how the other team played against us, most of them with five defenders, some with six, we struggle to create chances.”
