Miguel Cardoso confident Sundowns’ CAF fate will have positive outcome as Gomora offers Nedbank Cup reset

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso remains convinced that their CAF Champions League campaign will only be settled in the final round of group matches, despite pressure mounting after defeat in Kigali.

Masandawana slipped to a 2–1 loss against Al Hilal in Rwanda, a result that left them second in Group C with five points after four matches. With Al Hilal leading on eight points and two fixtures still to play, Sundowns’ margin for error has narrowed, sharpening the focus on a side that reached last season’s final.

Cardoso, however, struck a calm and reflective tone when assessing the situation, leaning on his own experience of navigating similar waters at Chloorkop.

“As I said last year, when I arrived in the club last year, we were in a difficult situation,” Cardoso explained. 

“We played two, the first match home, we won and we lost away. I feel the fourth match, we had five points exactly like now.”

The Portuguese coach revealed that his initial task back then was to steady a campaign in danger of drifting, a process that ultimately saw Sundowns progress to the knockout stages and march all the way to the final. That memory has informed his belief that perspective is required at this stage.

“Obviously, there’s still a match to play and we will see what is going to happen,” he added. 

“But for sure, it’s tight, five points is not enough. We need to think that next game is very important, probably not decisive depending on the result. But I think this group will be decided in the last match.”

While Sundowns have not yet imposed themselves on the group as expected, Cardoso’s message remains consistent: avoid panic, trust the process and ensure the campaign does not unravel under pressure. 

Defensive lapses and missed chances have proven costly, but the coach maintains that the margins remain fine.

Before continental matters resume, Sundowns will briefly turn their attention to domestic cup business. They face Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday, a fixture that presents both opportunity and responsibility.

For Cardoso, the tie offers a chance to manage workload, restore confidence and sharpen focus ahead of the decisive stretch in Africa. Rotation is likely, but complacency cannot be afforded against lower-league opposition eager to make a statement.

A convincing cup performance could serve as a timely reset, reinforcing belief within the squad and reminding Sundowns of their identity at a moment when their Champions League ambitions remain alive — but delicately poised.