Miguel Cardoso reacts to Africa’s first FIFA Club World Cup victory

Striker Iqraam Rayners got the solitary goal in the first half but was denied another after VAR ruled it offside. 

The victory meant Sundowns were the first African team at the tournament to win a game with Al Ahly, Esperance de Tunis and Wydad Casablanca yet to do so. 

Cardoso praised the players for following his instructions even in the sweltering heat of Orlando, Florida where the game was suspended for an hour due to inclement weather early on. 

“It’s not easy to achieve victories, it was a long way until this moment. I think today we released a lot of energy, in the right way, before, during and after but we live with the right emotions,” Cardoso said.

“The team found the right place to start a match, we prepared it tactically and strategically very well and then we found the commitment between everybody, that was important to really play according to the level of preparation we had. 

“So, I think it was clear we made a very wonderful first half, it was important that we keep the pace and not go away from the game plan so that we could score the second goal. 

“Obviously as time goes by, having a margin of 1-0 in the score and normally there's an intention to keep the result, so the last 50 minutes we didn't play them as much as we would like but the way we created chances. 

“Obviously we are very, very happy for the first African victory on the tournament and mostly I'm very happy with the joy that these players give to their families and to the country and to the club."

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The Portuguese mentor revealed how they took advantage of the delay.

"So first question regarding the delay of the game, it had good things, bad things, it gave us the opportunity to sit with the team and discuss better the line up of the tournament that became a little bit surprising because usually they build up with a free player, having the full back lower then they defend with the back four. 

“But today they were playing with the back five so we had time to make the proper corrections and settle down on the game and adjust on the plan. Most of all what was important was to release a bit of emotions because of the atmosphere in the stadium so we were more acquainted and re-energised for the beginning of the game."