Mamelodi Sundowns seek group advantage as Al Hilal visit Loftus

The Brazilians host their Sudanese opponents at Loftus Versfeld with both teams locked on four points, and Sundowns eager to open a gap at the top.

Cardoso cautioned that Al Hilal will pose a stern test, stressing that Sundowns must capitalise on home advantage if they are to take control of their group campaign.

"Nothing will be decided after this match, but obviously, a good result from our side gives us a good position in the competition. There's big respect for a team like Al Hilal, it's a team with a lot of resources, just check how many of their players play for the national team. 

"We know how the opponent plays and what they can do very well, but we also know how we want to play."

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Despite their impressive record against Al Hilal, the coach believes the past will count for very little in this particular match.

"I have to confess that we don't look at history. The history we need to worry about is the one we need to write, and when we prepare for a match, we never relate to the past except for looking at what the opponent has been doing in the last couple of months."

The Portuguese mentor emphasised that their target remains to go all the way in the Champions League although he did not want to spend too much time discussing what lies ahead when there are still four games left in the group stage.