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DUEL: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says composure and tactical discipline — not emotion — will determine whether his team can seize a crucial first-leg advantage against Morocco’s AS FAR in Sunday’s CAF Champions League final showdown in Pretoria…
By Own Correspondent
By Own Correspondent
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes composure rather than emotion could decide the outcome of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final as the South African giants prepare to host Morocco’s AS FAR in Pretoria.
With anticipation building ahead of Sunday’s first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Cardoso has warned that Sundowns cannot afford to lose focus against an experienced FAR Rabat side capable of punishing the smallest mistake over two legs.
The Portuguese coach, who is appearing in a third consecutive CAF Champions League final, insisted his players understand the importance of building a strong platform at home before next week’s return leg in Morocco.
“We will give the best in order to win it,” Cardoso said ahead of the clash.
“It is a moment where we have to do things in the proper way. There is still the second match where everything will be decided and that is the mental state that we are in.”
Sundowns enter the final carrying both confidence and pressure.
The Pretoria side have established themselves as one of Africa’s dominant clubs in recent seasons, but last year’s defeat in the final still lingers over a squad desperate to reclaim the continental crown they last lifted in 2016.
Cardoso acknowledged that the away-goals rule could also shape the tactical approach of the two finalists, especially with the decisive second leg set for Rabat.
“In the Champions League, the away goals rule is a factor and it is important that we look for a positive result,” he explained.
“Conceding at home has an impact on the away match but we want to make a good game.”
The Sundowns coach stressed that both teams had earned their place in the final through consistency and discipline throughout the campaign.
“There will be moments for everything, we will know very well what we will be looking for and try to find advantages. Both teams are highly capable, that’s why they are on this stage.”
Cardoso’s comments come at a crucial moment for Sundowns, who have shown rare defensive vulnerability in recent domestic matches, conceding seven goals across their last two league fixtures.
Yet the coach remains convinced his side can rise to the occasion in front of their home supporters.
“We will enjoy the occasion, we know what are going to be the challenges and what it means,” he added. “At the same time, we want to live in the moment.”
The Portuguese tactician also reflected on the significance of leading Sundowns into consecutive Champions League finals, describing the achievement as the result of long-term ambition and hard work.
“The journey has been hectic but we feel privileged as the coaching staff, the players and the rest of the club to be in back-to-back Champions League finals,” he said.
“When I left Portugal two-and-a-half years ago to come to Africa, we had objectives and dreams. We worked hard to create conditions of working at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns where we are able to fight for big things.”
Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba echoed his coach’s confidence, insisting the squad is fully focused on Sunday’s encounter despite the magnitude of the occasion.
“Preparations have gone very well and we are focusing on Sunday’s game,” Modiba said.
“God has granted us another Champions League final, for us it is to make sure we try to focus on the match.”
The final pits together two ambitious clubs guided by Portuguese coaches, with Cardoso set to come face-to-face against fellow countryman Alexandre Santos of AS FAR.
For Sundowns, the objective is clear — establish a lead in Pretoria before entering what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere in Rabat next weekend.
But Cardoso knows the margin between success and disappointment at this level is often razor-thin.
“This game will be decided in the second leg in Morocco,” he warned — a reminder that Sunday’s battle may only be the beginning of a tense continental showdown. – CAFonline
