Mamelodi Sundowns: Miguel Cardoso believes they could have performed better against Wiliete

Miguel Cardoso believes in what his team can deliver.

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Mamelodi Sundowns: Miguel Cardoso believes they could have performed better against Wiliete

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18.10.26 FT CAF Champions League

Wiliete Benguela

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Miguel Cardoso believes his team could have performed better against their Angolan opponents in the CAF Champions League.

Mamelodi Sundowns returned from Angola with a goalless draw and are now preparing for the return leg in Pretoria next Friday.

SEE ALSO: CAF Champions League – Mamelodi Sundowns held by Wiliete, Cardoso dissatisfied

Miguel Cardoso is not 100% satisfied with the players' performance

According to Soccer Laduma, Miguel Cardoso expressed his complete dissatisfaction to Mamelodi Sundowns’ media department following the conclusion of the match.

Cardoso stressed the need to appreciate the calibre of the opposition his side had just faced. He noted that the Angolan championship leaders are a team of Petro Luanda's stature, making away fixtures against them notoriously tough — but his players knew they had to show strength and commitment, keeping their focus firmly on the game.

The Portuguese coach said his team naturally wanted to find the net and take an advantage into the second leg.

"I think the team was clever enough to understand that in the moments that we could not play the way we wanted to play because it was difficult to deal with a team that just wanted to play long balls in the back of our defence, so (it) was quite difficult to press and counter press because they were very stretched on the pitch."

Greater effectiveness inside the box for Mamelodi Sundowns

Cardoso acknowledged that his players recognised the need to adjust to the kind of game they were facing. Even so, the CAF Champions League-winning coach felt his side could have performed better, arguing they needed greater control and more aggression inside the box, particularly after the break.

He went on to say that he and his squad will prepare thoroughly for the second leg while also making sure the players get some rest.

"It was a little bit clear that there is some fatigue in the players. But now we rest, travel back to South Africa and prepare for the second match. Let's focus on the second match. I think we will do a beautiful match in front of our supporters."

As defending champions, they are fully aware that the return leg on Friday leaves no margin for error. Having failed to score away in the first leg, they simply have to win the encounter.