Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has called on his players to show courage and belief as they prepare for a decisive CAF Champions League Group C clash against MC Alger at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Sundowns head into the final round of group fixtures knowing that only a win will secure their place in the quarterfinals of Africa’s premier club competition. Masandawana currently sit third in the group after collecting one win, three draws and one defeat from their five matches, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Anything less than maximum points against the Algerian side would see the South African champions eliminated. Despite the pressure, Cardoso believes his team can deliver on home soil against MC Alger, who are coached by former Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena.
“What we have to do now is go to the next match and play to win because whoever plays for a draw usually loses,” Cardoso said.
“We have to be brave enough to face the next game. We already know MC Alger and it will obviously be a difficult match. Difficult tests are for strong people, and I hope our fans understand the moment. We need them to come in numbers, bring energy, and help us find a way.”
The two sides arrive at the showdown on the back of contrasting results. MC Alger edged Al-Hilal 2–1 in their previous outing, while Sundowns were held to a 1–1 draw by Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reflecting on that result, Cardoso felt his side had done enough to claim all three points.
“We had more than enough chances to score the goal that would have given us the win against Lupopo,” he added.
“It’s not the best scenario in terms of the result we wanted, but it’s also not the worst. No team has won there, and MC Alger lost there as well.”
With qualification on the line and no margin for error, Sundowns now face a defining night in their Champions League campaign at Loftus Versfeld.