Despite Sundowns’ Victory Over Esperance, Cardoso Expresses Disappointment

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance against Esperance in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg, emphasizing their inability to execute their game plan effectively.

Sundowns faced difficulties breaking through Esperance’s defense during the first half. However, pivotal substitutions in the second half altered the game’s dynamics, with Peter Shalulile scoring a close-range header from an assist by Jayden Adams, resulting in a 1-0 victory at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.

This result provides Sundowns with a slim advantage heading into the second leg in Tunisia next week.

Esperance, who eliminated Sundowns in last season’s semi-finals without conceding a goal, deployed a defensive approach, seemingly aiming for a goalless draw while offering minimal offensive threats throughout the match.

Foreseeing Esperance’s defensive tactics, Cardoso felt that Sundowns should have capitalized on their dominance by securing a second goal.

“In the first half, although we controlled the game, we lacked strategic thinking. Our approach was more emotional than calculated,” Cardoso stated on SuperSport TV.

“We recognized how to break down such a compact defense by utilizing width. Yet, we failed to implement this understanding during the match.”

“At halftime, we made vital changes, which were effectively carried out in the first 20 minutes of the second half, culminating in our goal. However, we lost our focus again. We should have sustained our strategy and created more opportunities for a second goal.”

The second leg is set to occur at Stade olympique Hammadi-Agrebi in Radès on Tuesday at 21:00. Cardoso, who once coached Esperance, is acutely aware of the challenge that awaits his team.

“We respect the quality of our opponents and comprehend the type of game we need to play. Nonetheless, we have confidence in our capabilities. We believe we can score, which will complicate the situation for Esperance,” he remarked.

“We know that the match will be played in a vibrant atmosphere. Esperance boasts amazing fans, though their energy is different from ours. They will be contributing their part. We must focus on believing we can score and secure a victory. I sincerely believe we can win that match.”