Mamelodi Sundowns: Miguel Cardoso says every upcoming game is a cup final!

23.10.26 14:00 CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Wiliete Benguela

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Coach Miguel Cardoso points out that the upcoming matches are just like any other games this season; therefore, he has indicated that he wants to win them all and secure every possible positive outcome.

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Sundowns, the reigning Champions League holders, now find themselves staring at the real prospect of an early exit before the group stage even begins. Their preliminary round opener away to Angolan side Wiliete ended in a goalless stalemate, leaving them with no margin for error — nothing less than a victory on home turf this Friday will do if they are to book their place in the round-robin phase.

Miguel Cardoso knows what he is doing

Cardoso, fully alive to the challenge confronting his team, made it plain that they must ready themselves as if for a final — since it may prove to be their last outing in the competition this season. Sundowns have booked their place in the group stages in every campaign since 2016, and the club is determined not to see that run end now.

Addressing reporters at Chloorkop on Wednesday, Cardoso said: "I am not downplaying the importance of the game at all. I am just saying the other ones will be as important as this one. After this, then there is a knockout match for the Carling and the following week is Super Cup. What I mean is that we are playing finals. Those finals are all important. Of course, there are different levels. A Champions League final played in the qualifying round is obviously not the same as a Carling Cup match. What I mean the level of preparation we are going to put is as if it was an important final because it is."

He then pushed back against the notion that the away draw should be read as a setback: "The fact that we drew away, I don't see it as a negative thing. I think Sundowns played Petro Luanda, Sundowns was knocked out. This team is in the first position of the championship in Angola. Suffered one goal throughout all the matches they played. They are as qualified as Petro Luanda. But I also said would state for its level, and that's what we did. We arrived in Angola and we brought a result that puts us completely in the match."

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Wiliete Benguela

CAF Champions League