CAF Champions League
Sundowns coach Cardoso reacts to facing former side ES Tunis
Mamelodi Sundowns’ second CAF Champions League title hopes were agonisingly dashed in the semi-finals last season, with the man who orchestrated the heartache now sitting at the helm of the club that is aiming to emulate the 2016 success under then coach, Pitso Mosimane.
The South Africans have another chance at going all the way this season after the quarter-final draw of the competition saw them paired with Espérance Sportive de Tunis – former club of Sundowns coach, Miguel Cardoso who guided the Tunisians to a silver medal last season.
The north versus south duel will see the South Africans playing host to the first leg on 2 April, before travelling up north a few days later for the return leg in Tunis on 8 April.
Reacting to facing his former side in the quarter-finals, the Portuguese tactician said he was aware of the magnitude of the opponent and the weight of the fixture, but emphasised the importance of focusing on his sides’ strengths.
“The team changed a little bit now in January. After I left Espérance, I didn’t watch anything regarding how they play. Obviously, I follow the results but not the games. I know they are doing well.
“They are a team with experience and has been reaching the last stages of the Champions League and that has won it several times and always has the will to do well but I think we should worry about ourselves and do well in the two games” cautioned the coach.
“Obviously there are emotions that come to me in the moment. We performed very well while we were there but for the moment, my emotions are with Sundowns and to do well here.
“I know it will be tight no doubt. Last year was very tight but I believe it will be beautiful to see. Both teams play good football, both teams are positive in how they approach the game.
“The ambience in Tunis for the Champions League is beautiful and I hope that it will energise us to do well but also here it is beautiful, so I hope our fans will fill our stadiums and give us the extra energy to get the result” concluded Cardoso.
The CAF Champions League draw produced other intriguing and unpredictable ties, which will see record champions, Al Ahly SC taking on Al Hilal, Pyramids FC facing AS FAR as well as MC Alger against Orlando Pirates.
Following the quarter-final draw, the semi-final line-up was also determined.
The winner of the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance will face either Al Ahly or Al Hilal, while the victor between MC Alger and Orlando Pirates will meet the winner of the Pyramids versus AS FAR tie.
-CAF
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Egypt’s Pyramids claimed a deserved 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa. This led to a 3-2 aggregate success. They celebrated their first African Champions League title. This triumph occurred following the second leg of this year’s final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday.
The first leg in Pretoria finished 1-1. Fiston Mayele gave Pyramids the lead on 23 minutes. He profited from a Sundowns defensive error. Ahmed Samy doubled the advantage on 56 minutes. He scored with a header from a free-kick.
Sundowns pulled a goal back through Iqraam Rayners with 15 minutes remaining. One more goal would have given them victory in the tie on the away goals rule. However, Pyramids held firm despite heavy pressure from the visitors.
Pyramids are the fourth Egyptian side to lift the Champions League trophy after record 12-time winners Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily. Meanwhile, 2016 champions Sundowns head to this month’s Club World Cup in the United States on a low note.
-Reuters
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- 1. Pyramids aim to become the first new CAF Champions League winner since Sundowns (2016), the 13th in the modern era, and the 27th overall.
- 2. This is the 19th Champions League-era final featuring an Egyptian club. Previous teams (Al Ahly 10, Zamalek 1) have won 11 titles.
- 3. Including the pre-Champions League era, this is the 29th final for an Egyptian club, with 18 wins and 10 losses.
- 4. Pyramids have played only 1 of their last 9 matches at home but are unbeaten in their last 23 home games this season (W19 D4) and last 28 overall (W24 D4).
- 5. Pyramids scored in 22 of 23 home games this season; the only blank was a 0-0 draw vs Al Masry.
- 6.This season, they’ve won all 7 home matches, scoring 26 and conceding 6, with one clean sheet. In total, they’ve lost just 1 of 11 home matches in the competition.
- 7. Fiston Mayele leads with 8 goals in 12 matches (5 since group stage); Ibrahim Adel has 6 (also 5 post-group stage).
- 8. Ramadan Sobhi has 5 assists in 9 games (joint-most), plus 2 goals. He’s had major impact off the bench twice.
- 9. Askary Chibi has created 20 chances since the group stage — the most for Pyramids.
- 10. Pyramids have kept 3 clean sheets this season, all away, but remain dominant at home
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- 1. Sundowns are in their third CAF Champions League final (2001, 2016, 2024).
- 2. South African Record: First South African club to reach three finals, surpassing Orlando Pirates (2).
- 3. Sundowns hosted the first leg in all three finals. In 2001, they drew 1-1 at home and lost 2-0 away to Al Ahly.
- 4. Sundowns beat Zamalek 3-0 at home, lost 1-0 away, and won 3-1 on aggregate.
- 5. Sundowns have never scored in an away leg of a Champions League final, conceding five in total.
- 6. The current final marks the second time Sundowns led at home and failed to win (also in 2001).
- 7. A defeat would make Sundowns the first South African side to lose two finals.
- 8. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 10 matches vs Egyptian opposition (4wins and 6 draws).
- 9. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 4 visits to Egypt (2 wins and 2 draws).
- 10. A win would make Sundowns the first team since Al Ahly (2012) to win the title after failing to win the home leg.
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