“Why Watch The First Leg?” — Cardoso Pinpoints Arrows Flaws Ahead of Durban Return
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says he will focus his tactical analysis on the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final tie against Golden Arrows, noting that he was particularly impressed by what he saw in that performance.
Sundowns will face Abafana Bes’thende for the third time in five matches when Cardoso’s men return to Durban to play at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
The two sides first met in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Sundowns suffered a 1-0 defeat following a strike by Junior Dion.
However, Sundowns overturned the tie in the second leg in Durban last weekend, securing a 3-2 victory to draw 3-3 on aggregate and advance to the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on away goals.
Unlike Arrows, who enjoyed a midweek break, Sundowns were in action on Wednesday, earning a 2-0 victory over Milford at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
“Regarding Arrows, let’s see. Let’s study that second-leg game more closely,” said Cardoso.
“We need to analyze the game they played at home in particular. There were things that happened throughout that match, and we need to understand how to approach this upcoming fixture in isolation. Also, bear in mind that Arrows did not play midweek while we had a match, so we will need freshness and the capacity to play another competitive, high-quality match. I am very confident.”
Golden Arrows remain a dangerous opponent for the Brazilians, having been one of only two sides—alongside TS Galaxy—to beat Sundowns in the league last season, securing a 1-0 win at the same uMlazi venue.
