Following Mamelodi Sundowns' goalless draw with title holders Al Ahly in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Stadium, coach Miguel Cardoso expressed disappointment on the fan support.
Cardoso stated he had expected a better showing from the fans, suggesting the attendance was “decent but not enough,” partly due to the club's policy against free entry for supporters in team regalia.
He believes the team could have utilised their home advantage to better effect with a full stadium behind them. The Brazilians are now set to travel to Cairo for the decisive second leg on Friday evening.
CARDOSO NOT SATISFIED BY SUNDOWNS FAN ATTENDANCE VS PYRAMIDS
“Of course, I'm very happy that our fans today helped us but it's so sad to see such a beautiful stadium almost empty when you have a semi-final of the Champions League. We should have a full stadium supporting us, giving us extra energy that 20% that also motivates you in the front,” Cardoso said.
“It's so tough to play these kinds of games, the best players in Africa are playing this match and that is something because sometimes people ask me, what is the difference between the northern African teams and the southern Africa teams, it's also that.
“In Cairo, you have a 90 000 stadium from the first to the last minute giving energy, whatever happens on the pitch and today, despite we felt energy from our fans, we should have a full stadium, a full South Africa in this stadium.”
