Miguel Cardoso has led Mamelodi Sundowns to a second consecutive CAF Champions League final. After a tactical masterclass against Espérance, the Brazilians are one step away from reclaiming the throne of African football. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso expressed pride and satisfaction after guiding his side to a second successive CAF Champions League final, following a 1-0 victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
A decisive strike from Brayan León — his fifth goal in the competition since arriving in January — proved enough to separate the sides in a tightly contested semi-final, sending Sundowns back to the biggest stage in African club football.
For Cardoso, the achievement carries added significance.
Having reached last season’s final with Sundowns but fallen short, and previously guiding Espérance to the 2024 final where they lost to Al Ahly, the Portuguese tactician now finds himself with another opportunity to go one step further.
“I’m very excited at the moment. Two Champions League finals in a row and that was the objective of people that brought us here at the club,” he said.
Cardoso was quick to shift the focus onto the collective effort behind the scenes, highlighting the blend of experience within his technical team since his arrival in December 2024.
“For me and my staff, it’s the hard work from the ones that come from Portugal, the ones I found here in South Africa, and the ones from Denmark,” he added.
“Everyone together has done a good job and I want to thank all of them. I can’t finish this without thanking our fans, it’s very important that we feel their energy. They must keep following us in the league.”
On the pitch, Sundowns produced a disciplined and tactically mature performance across both legs, showing composure in key moments and resilience when under pressure.
Cardoso emphasised that growth in these areas has been central to their continental progression.
“The development of this team was to understand that when you play teams like Al Ahly, the Moroccans and the … ones from Algeria, you need to be strong,” he concluded.
“Our match in Tunis was a match of thin margins. It fell for our side because of the commitment, positioning, intensity and capacity to be together even when we don’t have the ball. Espérance is a big team.
“The team understood where we needed to be and they created the energy. One thing we can never forget at Sundowns is that you need to play with joy. The ball is what unites us but our hearts and commitment should be open for when we don’t have the ball.”
With another final secured, Sundowns now stand on the brink of continental glory — armed not only with quality, but with a clear identity built on unity, discipline and belief.