CAFCL: Cardoso points to external factors following Al-Hilal loss

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has pointed the finger at external factors following his side’s disappointing loss to Al-Hilal in a CAF Champions League Group C tie at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Cardoso was quick to cite travel fatigue and missed opportunities as the primary catalysts for their first defeat of 2026, effectively shielding his players—and his selection—from the brunt of the criticism.

Cardoso’s troops dominated the early tempo and possession, but they lacked a clinical edge in the final third, a failure that proved costly just before the interval. The momentum shifted decisively when veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, deputising for the absent Ronwen Williams, mistimed a challenge on Abdelrazig Omer. Al Hilal talisman Mohamed Abdelrahman stepped up to coolly dispatch the resulting penalty, handing the “Blue Wave” the lead on the stroke of halftime.

The nightmare intensified for Sundowns immediately after the restart when Burundian winger Jean-Claude Girumugisha pounced on defensive hesitation to double the hosts’ advantage. Facing a two-goal mountain to climb in the Rwandan cauldron, Masandawana fought back through Arthur Sales, who ignited hopes of a comeback in the 60th minute with a ghosting run and a composed finish.

However, despite a relentless onslaught from the Brazilians in the closing half-hour, Al Hilal’s defensive block remained impenetrable. The result leaves Sundowns with work to do as they prepare to host Goroma United in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 on Wednesday before a crucial trip to face FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the DRC on Sunday.

Cardoso Under Fire: Sundowns Boss Offers Excuses, Not Solutions

“I think we lost because we didn’t convert our chances. It is clear we had more than enough opportunities to score,” said Cardoso. “If we look past the last 15 minutes—where Al-Hilal had several counter-attacks because we had to take risks and expose ourselves—the story of the game is obviously the chances we didn’t take.

“Al-Hilal knew exactly how to exploit us. After taking the lead, they dropped back to defend and used their pace on the wings and up front to get into our box. But basically, we had so many chances. I remember three in the first half and four in the second; you have to convert those to at least get a draw and make the game more balanced.

“Before the Lupopo match, we have a cup game on Wednesday. We played just three days ago, and it was clear at times that the team was more tired than Al-Hilal. Despite rotating a few players, the fatigue was evident. We had a long trip with stops that took almost a full day of travelling, and you feel that in the number of mistakes you make. Now, it’s time to go home and see who can play on Wednesday in the best possible condition.”