Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso asserts that to reach the CAF Champions League final, his team must deliver two flawless performances against Al Ahly.

Sundowns secured their semi-final berth by overcoming ES Esperance 1-0 on aggregate, following a goalless draw in the second-leg quarter-final on Tuesday. Peter Shalulile’s decisive first-leg goal in Pretoria proved the difference. This semi-final appearance marks Sundowns’ third consecutive, a record for a South African club.

Their upcoming opponents, Al Ahly, boasting 12 Champions League titles, defeated Al Hilal of Sudan to advance. Notably, Al Ahly won the competition last season, defeating Esperance, then coached by Cardoso, who joined Sundowns in December.

“We know Al Ahly, in the last seven to eight years, have won a lot of Champions League many times including last year,” Cardoso stated. 

“Unfortunately, I lost the final against them. But I think it is possible to beat them. 

“But we need to make two very complete, two very strong game, play on the details for sure. 

“So, we need to be very strong, we need to prepare ourselves in the best way possible. Well, it is not that far away.  

“But still, we have a Nedbank Cup semi final against (Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday), that should be our focus now and also very tough game. 

“We will then think about the Champions League game after that.”  

Sundowns returned to South Africa via a chartered flight immediately after the match in Tunisia. Cardoso confirmed that the players would rest on Wednesday and begin recovery on Thursday.

Sundowns enter the semi-final as favorites, having remained unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Al Ahly. They have also made history by twice scoring five goals on separate occasions against the Egyptian giants.

Al Ahly will travel to South Africa for the first leg on 18 April, with the return leg scheduled for Cairo on 25 April, with a place in the final at stake.

This semi-final is a rematch of the 2001 Champions League final, where Al Ahly triumphed 4-1 on aggregate. Gift Kampamba scored Sundowns’ lone goal with a left-footed strike.