Mamelodi Sundowns look to apply lessons from Al Hilal draw

Mamelodi Sundowns look to apply lessons from Al Hilal draw

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reflected on the lessons learned from his side’s 2-2 draw against Al Hilal in last weekend’s CAF Champions League group stage clash, as the two teams prepare to meet again.

The Brazilians are in Rwanda, a neutral venue for the Sudanese outfit due to ongoing challenges in their home country, and will be pushing for all three points tonight. 

Speaking to the media, Cardoso pinpointed key areas where Sundowns must improve if they are to turn performance into victory this time around.

"As the competition goes forward obviously every match becomes more and more important, with less opportunities to collect points ahead. So, we know we played a good match at home against a strong opponent,” Cardoso said.

“It was a tricky match because I think the team played well enough to collect more points than we got in the end but we also were penalised by the mistakes we did that we shouldn't have done. 

“Second opportunity, a fantastic stadium, so, we're quite excited to play here. The same opponents, again a tough match. Let's hope we can put this inside the pitch in order to fight for the victory until the end,” he added. 

“I think we have conditions to do it but we also have conditions if we are not 100% focused, 100% giving the best."

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Downs were criticised for lacking aggression at Loftus, something Cardoso also pointed out they had focused on this time around.

"The match will be played from the first minute with proper intensity, proper concentration, proper intentionality and respect for the opponent but respect means that we have to do our best from the beginning to the end, taking it very seriously,” the coach explained.

“We're gonna prepare ourselves in terms of mindset and tactical approach so that we can do it on the pitch."