Cardoso finds ‘what he wants” in Sundowns’ draw with Chiefs

Miguel Cardoso has admitted Mamelodi Sundowns’ first-half performance was ‘what he wants to have in the future’ despite the failure to breach Kaizer Chiefs.

In an electrifying 0-0 draw at a packed FNB Stadium, Chiefs and Sundowns split the points on Wednesday night. Despite the lack of goals, the match was a nail-biter, with both coaches, Nasreddine Nabi and Miguel Cardoso, walking away feeling their team deserved the win.

For Sundowns coach Cardoso, the performance was a step in the right direction, especially when compared to their recent MTN8 semifinal loss to Orlando Pirates. The Brazilians were eliminated from the competition after a 1-1 draw in both legs, ultimately falling short in a penalty shootout.

Cardoso expressed satisfaction with his team’s significant improvement, particularly in the first half against Chiefs. “We saw an interesting first half from Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s more close to what we want to have in the future,” he said.

He noted that the team was “much more aggressive on the duels” and “much more quick on the ball” than in previous games. “I think we had a good first half, control of the match, well, indeed, understanding where to play and how to play,” Cardoso added.

However, he acknowledged a need for improvement in their attacking play. “There was a little bit lack of aggressivity in the back of the defence because the line of Kaizer Chiefs was pretty high, pressing us from the goalkeeper.”

The draw leaves Chiefs in second place on the Betway Premiership table with ten points, while Sundowns sit in third with eight points.

Looking ahead, Chiefs will take on Golden Arrows on Saturday, while Sundowns will face Stellenbosch FC in their next match on the same day as well.

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