Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has shared his thoughts following the 1–1 draw against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.
Masandawana conceded the opening goal in the first half before fighting back to level matters through Jayden Adams, who appears to be enjoying a return to form in recent matches.
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The Brazilians currently sit third on the Group C standings with six points after five matches. Sundowns now need nothing less than a victory when they face MC Alger in their final group encounter next Saturday.
Cardoso admitted that it was difficult to play against the DR Congo side, citing frequent match stoppages caused by players going down unnecessarily, as well as a dry pitch that made the playing surface challenging.
He added that it has been tough for visiting teams to get positive results against Lupopo in the DRC, pointing out that MC Alger lost there, Al Hilal were held to a draw, and fellow South African side Orlando Pirates were defeated in the preliminary round.
“In the first half, we knew there would a lot of energy in pressing us, not allowing us to impose the game that we want to play,” Cardoso said.
“But we also knew that it would be important not to make any mistakes not to suffer any threats, control as much as possible. Unfortunately, we conceded, Lupopo had more energy even on the stands.
“There was then a lot of stoppages, lots of players falling down here and there, something that we need to understand that it gives nothing to football in the future. It’s something that needs to be fought by referees, and today it was not.
“Second half, we were able to score and create a moments of panics in the box of Lupopo. And I think with a very dry pitch, with a surface that is not the best to play, we couldn’t finalise situations.
“It’s not the best scenario with the result we wanted but also not the worst because I remember no one won here. MC Alger lost, Al Hilal drew, Pirates lost 3-0 but in another stadium. It’s not easy to play here.
“In the last match [against MC Alger], we will play to win and get through to the next stage of the competition.”
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