Cardoso warns of fierce battle as group C opens up

With MC Alger’s victory over log leaders Al Hilal on Friday night throwing Group C wide open, Cardoso is acutely aware of the importance of securing at least a point away from home.

Speaking 24 hours before the clash, the Sundowns mentor stressed the need for calm heads in what is expected to be a hostile environment.

"It's always difficult to play here because of the way the teams are so strong when they play at home. The last time we played against them, it was also a difficult match. 

"We know what we have to do, the pressure on us comes mostly from ourselves and our will to do well and collect as many points as possible so that we arrive at the last match in the best possible condition."

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Cardoso added that the permutations of the group were still very much in their own hands ahead of playing two matches against Lupopo and then MC Alger.

The Sundowns mentor suggested they had themselves to blame for finding the club in third place with two games to go in the group stage and needing to avoid defeat at all cost in Lubumbashi.

"We know what was at stake from the very beginning because we realised this group was a tough one. After the last two matches, we are responsible for not being in a comfortable position, but we know what we have to do and we know how to play matches in which everything is at stake."

Cardoso in turn expects a stubborn Lupopo as the DR Congo outfit are also still in with a shot of the knockout phase.