“We Must Be Braver!” – Cardoso Slams Passive Sundowns Attack After Angolan Snag

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for a more aggressive attacking approach from his side after their disappointing goalless draw against Angolan outfit Wiliete in the CAF Champions League on Sunday.

The Brazilians were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the second preliminary round at Estadio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango as they began their quest to defend the continental title they won last season.

Sundowns struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities throughout the encounter, managing just three shots on target. Tashreeq Matthews registered an attempt in the first half before trying his luck again after the break, while Iqraam Rayners also tested the opposition goalkeeper with a second-half free kick.

Cardoso admitted that his team should have performed better and emphasised the need for improvement when the two sides meet again in Pretoria.

“Obviously, we are going to prepare for the second leg in the best possible way. We need to be stronger, more aggressive and more offensive than we were,” he said.

“We need to perform at the level of a team that wants to establish itself in the Champions League. We are obviously not happy with this result because we should and could have scored.

“In the first half, there were moments when it looked like we would be able to create opportunities, but the second half was more difficult to manage.

“We need to change a few things. We must be more aggressive, focus more on getting towards goal, commit more players forward and show greater bravery in our attacking approach. That is what I want to see from the team in the next match.”

The Portuguese coach also acknowledged the quality of their opponents, stressing the importance of understanding the challenge Wiliete posed despite Sundowns’ ambitions of progressing in the competition.

“It is very important that we understand the level of the opponent we are facing. Wiliete are at the top of the Angolan league, and they are a team on the level of Petro de Luanda,” he added.

“We knew it would be difficult, but we also knew we had to be strong and committed. Obviously, we wanted to score goals and put ourselves in a better position ahead of the second leg.

“I think the team was clever enough to understand that, in moments when we could not play the game we wanted, we had to adapt. It was difficult to deal with a team that wanted to play long balls behind our defence.

“We could have done better. We could have had more control and shown more aggression in the box, particularly in the second half.

“It was a difficult situation to manage, and we also noticed some fatigue among the players. Now we need to rest, travel back to South Africa and prepare for the second match.

“We know how this team plays, but they are a tough opponent. We will focus on the second leg, and I believe we will put on a good performance in front of our supporters.”

The two sides will meet again on Friday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, where Sundowns will be looking to secure a victory and strengthen their chances of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage.

Cardoso will be hoping his players respond to his demands for greater aggression, more attacking commitment and improved finishing as the defending champions look to avoid an early setback in their title defence.