Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says it’s imperative to learn from the lessons of Orlando Pirates – who suffered defeat in DR Congo to St Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.
After the 2-1 loss to Al Hilal, the Sudanese giants moved top of the group, making the upcoming game in Lubumbashi a must-win clash for Masandawana to enhance their chance to progressing to the knockout stages as MC Alger await a few days after at Loftus Versfeld.
Lupopo have drawn two games, lost one and beat MC Alger in Congo which has seen the ‘Group of Death’ live up to it’s billing in Africa’s elite club competition, which Cardoso notes, they can’t take anything for granted.
“Tough match ahead for sure, tough match, tough team, top attitude demanded, top attitude we’re going to have, fight for the best result possible, so that in the end we can come and be satisfied with the honesty of the work we put inside the pitch and hoping that the consequence of that attitude is a positive result, to get the best chance possible for the last match, that’s how we need to go there and face things,” he said.
“It’s a very particular pitch, to play there is quite tricky, I remember.. how was the result of Pirates there in the beginning of the season? So we need to learn from the lessons, it’s difficult to play there, it’s difficult. Al Hilal drew, MC Alger lost… so we need to have the mindset to play a game there.
“Remember we played last year against AS Maniema in Congo, different stadium, open stadium – not so close… the fans, the team, the heat and humidity. And against Lupopo there are more factors, crowded packed stadium close to the pitch, brings in emotions.
“We need serious, honest and humble approach, so in the right moments, score the goals we need and bring the best result we can, that’s important.The boys are up for the challenge, they know what they will face and it’s with that expectations we go [to Congo].”
Sundowns take on the Linafoot side on Sunday afternoon at the Stade TP Mazambe at 15h00.
