Miguel Cardoso Celebrates Winning Debut as Mamelodi Sundowns Edge Raja Casablanca
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso marked a successful debut in the CAF Champions League as his side secured a determined 1-0 victory over Morocco’s Raja Casablanca in the group stages. The hard-fought win sees Sundowns climb to second place in Group B, level on points with leaders AS FAR Rabat.
While the result provided a vital three points, Cardoso acknowledged that the performance was far from perfect. Speaking to the club’s media team after the match, the Portuguese coach praised his players for their strong mentality and commitment to the tactical plan.
“Today it was very important to get the points, to get the victory,” Cardoso stated. “But it was important to have an attitude according to that task, and that’s what pleases me. Despite the objective being done, we had a very strong attitude. Not always played in the best way. I think in the future we will play much better.”
Areas for Growth
Cardoso emphasized that there is still work to be done to refine Sundowns’ play and improve on the finer details. He highlighted the importance of maintaining focus as the team continues to face strong competition in the group stages.
“We have to grow in certain details, but we have a strong commitment from everybody, and that will allow us to grow quicker. So big congratulations to the boys for how they worked, for the commitment and the energy they put into the game,” Cardoso added.
The coach also acknowledged the challenging road ahead, with three crucial fixtures remaining in the group stages.
“This result has put us in a more comfortable position than we had been in before. But we have three difficult matches ahead, and we need to focus and not lose our way so we can achieve more.”
A Resilient Performance
The match highlighted Sundowns’ resilience and discipline, as they managed to hold off a determined Raja Casablanca side. While moments of brilliance shone through, the lack of fluidity in their play exposed areas needing improvement. Despite this, the victory showcased the Brazilians’ ability to grind out results under pressure — a trait that could prove vital as the tournament progresses.
Sundowns Back on Track
The win was a significant boost for Mamelodi Sundowns, who had a mixed start to their CAF Champions League group-stage campaign. Sitting level on points with AS FAR Rabat at the top of Group B, Sundowns are now well-positioned to push for qualification to the knockout stages.
For Miguel Cardoso, the victory marks a promising start to his tenure in Africa’s premier club competition. His focus on improving performance while celebrating the team’s resilience will resonate well with fans eager for continental success.
As Sundowns prepare for their upcoming fixtures, Cardoso’s leadership and tactical approach will be crucial in their pursuit of CAF Champions League glory.
