Cardoso drops bombshell allegations against AS FAR ahead of CAFCL final

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has set the stage for an explosive CAF Champions League final, trading post-match celebrations for a pointed attack on football authorities and a damaging espionage allegation against opponents AS FAR.

Fresh off a chaotic 7-4 demolition of Siwelele FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night, the Portuguese tactician used his media platform to vent frustrations over a perceived lack of support, while claiming his Moroccan rivals have been handed an unfair tactical advantage.

‘We Don’t Feel Any Support’

Despite the high-scoring victory, Cardoso’s focus was firmly on the looming continental showpiece. He expressed deep dissatisfaction with the domestic scheduling, suggesting that the Masandawana camp feels isolated in their pursuit of African glory.

“We are in a very uncomfortable situation,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV. “In four days, we will be playing one of the most important games in the life of a player, a coach, or a club, and we don’t feel any support for it.”

Cardoso Claims ASFAR Received Leaked Sundowns Footage

The most startling moment of the interview came when Cardoso alleged that ASFAR had been provided with specialised tactical footage of Sundowns’ recent clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

Cardoso was remarkably specific, claiming the footage was delivered just 24 hours after the Chiefs game.

“I know that ASFAR, the day after we played Kaizer Chiefs, had a wide-angled video from our game… delivered,” Cardoso stated defiantly. “I know because someone saw. We are fighting against a lot of things, but we are strong enough to deal with everything.”

Drawing a sharp contrast to his debut season—where he famously predicted a title win under any circumstances—Cardoso characterised the 2025/26 campaign as a brutal test of resilience.

“Last year was completely different. This season has been a walk in the park for some of our opponents. We have been fighting like big, big men with a lot of commitment to overcome difficulties,” he added.

Despite the siege mentality, the Sundowns coach heaped praise on his squad’s character ahead of the final: “I feel privileged to be the coach of this group. They are magnificent and find energy when there is nothing left. I am proud of that.”

The two-legged Champions League final for African supremacy begins in Tshwane on Sunday, 17 May, before moving to Rabat for the decisive return leg on Sunday, 24 May.