Mamelodi Sundowns eliminated Esperance from the Caf Champions League in a 1-0 aggregate win, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with the defending champions Al Ahly.
This is a massive game for not only Masandawana, but also coach Miguel Cardoso. The Club of the Century denied the Portuguese the title last season when they met in the last hurdle of the prestigious continental competition.
Having won their first star almost a decade ago, the defending Premier Soccer League champions have tried in vain to get the second one. In the last two editions, they have fallen in the semi-final, and they feel a game against the Egyptian giants gives them a chance to go all the way and play either Orlando Pirates or Pyramids in the final.
However, Cardoso is taking nothing to chance, underlining the importance of ensuring they are well prepared for the game.
Sundowns need to be strong
“Well, we know that Al Ahly, in the last seven or eight years, they won a lot of Champions League [titles]. Last year, unfortunately, I lost the final against them, but I think it’s possible to beat them,” Cardoso opened up to the media.
“But we need to make two very, very complete games, two very strong games played on the details for sure. So we need to be very strong, we need to prepare ourselves in the best way. Well, it’s not that far away but still we have a Nedbank Cup semi-final [against Kaizer Chiefs] to play that should be our focus now on Sunday, also a very tough game.
“Then we’ll think about the Champions League again,” Cardoso concluded.
The first leg of the semi-final will be played on April 18 in Mzansi with the second one set for April 25 in Egypt.
