Coach Miguel Cardoso believes Mamelodi Sundowns proved their elite credentials by beating AS FAR Rabat 1-0, despite a second-half VAR breakdown and stadium disruptions. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side proved they belong among the continent’s elite after securing a narrow but important 1-0 victory over AS FAR Rabat in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
The Brazilians take a slender advantage into next week’s second leg in Morocco after Aubrey Modiba’s stunning first-half free-kick separated the two sides in Pretoria.
While Sundowns controlled large portions of the encounter and created several opportunities to extend their lead, missed chances ensured the tie remains delicately balanced heading into the return leg.
Still, Cardoso was pleased with both the quality of football produced by his players and the maturity shown during difficult moments throughout the evening.
“The most important thing is that we remember we can compete with the best teams this season and play a beautiful game because we played a beautiful game today,” said Cardoso, after the match.
The Portuguese mentor admitted Sundowns should have placed themselves in a more comfortable position before travelling to Morocco.
“Of course, we know that we could’ve scored the second goal several times to make it comfortable for ourselves and it’s clear that we had to score a goal before going over there and that’s exactly what the team fought for,” he explained.
The match itself unfolded under unusual and at times chaotic circumstances.
A brief stoppage before the beginning of the second half saw the Video Assistant Referee system abandoned following a technical malfunction, forcing officials and both teams to continue without VAR for the remainder of the encounter. Cardoso, however, praised the conduct shown by both benches during the unexpected disruption.
“I saw great sportsmanship from both benches, even when the VAR was not working,” he said.
“You saw me speaking to their opponents and we told each other we represent Africa and we need to give a good example after what happened in the AFCON and we decided we should continue with the game without the VAR.”
Unfortunately, the match was also overshadowed by ugly scenes in sections of the stadium during the second half. Large groups of visiting supporters became involved in clashes with security personnel and sections of Sundowns fans, with disturbances continuing intermittently as the game progressed.
Despite the tension surrounding the occasion, Sundowns largely maintained their composure on the field and continued to create dangerous moments through their fluid attacking play. Cardoso now expects another emotionally and tactically demanding battle in Morocco next weekend.
“We expect the second leg to be a tough match in the same way this one was a tough match,” he added. “We expected AS FAR Rabat to give situations to control at different times on the pitch and we did well.”