Cardoso Expects Tough Test Against Stade Malien

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge awaiting his side against Stade Malien, warning that his players will be pushed to their limits by one of the most impressive teams from the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns will host the Malian giants in the first leg of the quarter-finals at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night (20:00) in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

Stade Malien were among the standout teams in the group phase, finishing top of their group ahead of African heavyweights such as Espérance de Tunis, Simba SC and Petro de Luanda.

The Malian side suffered just one defeat during the group stage, losing to Simba in their final group match after already doing enough to secure top spot in Group D.

Meanwhile, Sundowns – who were runners-up in last season’s Champions League – progressed to the knockout stages after finishing second in Group C behind Al Hilal Omdurman.

Given Stade Malien’s impressive performances against some of Africa’s top clubs, Cardoso believes Sundowns will have to deliver a top-level performance across both legs to progress.

“Obviously, the stakes are not yet at the level where we want to be among the best teams on the continent,” said Cardoso.

“However, we approach these quarter-finals with a lot of ambition. We know we want to progress and do our best in the two matches that are in front of us.

“We expect two tough games. I don’t think there is an underrated team or an underdog at this stage of the competition.

“We are going to face an opponent that finished first in a group that included Petro de Luanda, Simba and Espérance de Tunis. But we also know very well what we are capable of.

“We know exactly what we want to bring onto the pitch on Friday. We must align with our plan after analysing the opponent.”

Unlike Stade Malien, who lost to Simba in the last group stage, Sundowns secured their progression by defeating MC Alger 2–0 in their final group match. The Algerian side is coached by former Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena.

Cardoso has now urged his players to replicate the intensity and determination they showed in that victory when they face the Malian side on Friday.

“I think the last match we played in the Champions League against MC Alger was an example of the team’s will, the intensity and the commitment towards the objective,” Cardoso said.

“That has been my message to the players – to bring the same energy onto the pitch.

“If we push ourselves to the limit, we bring ourselves closer to our objective, even though there is still a very important match to play.”