Cardoso Details Injury Update Ahead Of Al Ahly Tie

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has given an injury update ahead of their first leg encounter of the CAF Champions League semi-finals against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Loftus Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

The Brazilians will be looking to build from their hard-fought 1-0 aggregate win over Esperance de Tunis in the quarter-finals as they aim to bring continental glory back to Chloorkop, having clinched their maiden and only title in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.

Standing in their way of a first final since their last triumph is the record 12-time and reigning African champions, with Masandawana eager to break the semi-final exit hoodoo as they crumbled in the same stage for the past two seasons.

Now, with the highly anticipated showdown on the horizon, the Downs mentor is content with the progress of some of his long-term absentees including January signing Lebo Mothiba and talented youngster Siyabonga Mabena.

“Injury update, we have [Lebo] Mothiba, who for some time is still in the process of integrating into the team. We have the little [Siyabonga] Mabena that is under certain conditions, and also all the other ones are in the process of recovering,” said Cardoso.

“So, tomorrow we will have more detailed information on who is available to 100% make the game and the conditions that we have on everybody, so that we don’t compromise their state for the second one. We will decide tomorrow, there are small details to see.” 

While he is pleased about the prospect of receiving an injury boost, Cardoso insists they won’t be rushing players into making a return with games coming thick and fast as the back end of the 2024/25 campaign slowly approaches.

“In today’s session, there were some players with some restraints, and only tomorrow we will understand if they will be available or not for the game. But as I said, it’s important to understand that we will not make decisions that can compromise the season of a player,” the Portuguese tactician added.

“There’s still a long way to go, and there’s a second match to play, so that’s where we are standing right now, so that we can understand whether we can go or hold on and prepare the players for the second leg.”

Masandawana will be determined to get back to winning ways after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Tshwane powerhouse has won three of the last five meetings with the Red Devils of Egypt in Africa’s elite club competition.