Miguel Cardoso sees Sundowns vision take shape in CL opener

The Brazilians opened their CAF Champions League group campaign with a polished 3-1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo at Loftus, a result that served notice to pool rivals MC Alger and Al Hilal ahead of their looming clashes.

Midfielder Nuno Santos bagged a brace, with Marcelo Allende also finding the net in a performance Cardoso described as a clear step towards the high-tempo rhythm he expects from his squad.

"I don't like to individualise the performances too much because many players in this club can bring quality moments. Us coaches, depend on quality, and its not easy when you have to manage this quality, and its even more difficult if you don't have quality in the team.

"This season we have been suffering because we've had so many players unavailable due to injury, but it is good that there are players who are lifting their levels."

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The Portuguese mentor was also impressed that they were able to tweak their approach to break down a stubborn Lupopo.

Sundowns were stunned by AS Maniema Union in their group stage opener last season and Cardoso highlighted the significance of winning this time around.

"It's obviously very important to start the group stage with a victory. It is tough to lose matches against teams you are expected to beat especially at home, which makes today's win very important.

"I expect a very tough group, it's a group that contains very difficult away matches."

Cardoso surprisingly took a defensive approach when asked about the next game – a trip to Algeria to face Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger.

"The next match is against MC Alger, not against Rhulani Mokwena. We will analyse the team and prepare our strategy."