Miguel Cardoso yet again points to schedule as title hopes slip away

The Brazilians suffered only their second league defeat in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night, falling 3-2 away to TS Galaxy.

Speaking after their final match of the season, Cardoso admitted Sundowns failed to convert several clear-cut chances but insisted fatigue had also played a role.

"What we wanted today was to finish the championship in the best way by winning here. But it was a very unfortunate match. I know people will say I am making excuses but I invite anyone to look at the calendar these boys were subitted in the last 21 days," said Cardoso

READ: TS Galaxy shock Sundowns to blow title race wide open for Pirates

"After playing Esperance we played seven matches is twenty one days. This is the fourth in a row on the third day. I don't know if you can imagine something like that. It's almost like you don't sleep at home."

"Obviously I knew that the energy would not be high. The character had to be on top but of course we made mistakes we cannot afford. In the last two matches due to fatigue we exposed ourselves and conceded goals that we never suffered since I joined the club."

"Anyway I think the team had character in the first half to react to the two goals that we conceded. That is incredible because we started the Arthur [Sales] in front of the goalkeeper, he won against the goalkeeper and he was not able to score."

Cardoso added that he felt the result was not a fair reflection of the game. 

The Portuguese mentor said Sundowns were not only chasing the championship but a record points haul for the season and needed to beat Galaxy.  

Cardoso gave Pirates credit for an intriguing title race, however, feels The Buccaneers had an advantage.