Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is under pressure as his team gears up for a pivotal CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Al Ahly on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, where an error from defender Lucas Suarez gifted the opposition a goal, the Sundowns are looking to bounce back and secure their place in the final.
The loss to Chiefs at Loftus Stadium not only eliminated Sundowns from the cup but also raised questions about their defensive stability. Suarez, who has faced criticism for his recent performances, was also involved in conceding a goal during Sundowns’ previous league match against Orlando Pirates. Despite this, Cardoso defended his player, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the game. "Before any player makes a mistake, I may make many mistakes myself," Cardoso stated. "The first mistake I make comes from my job of choosing players for the task. I have to select 11. So when I choose 11, there are over 20 who already think that I’ve made a mistake, along with many others who feel the same way."
Cardoso further remarked, "Of course, there are goals that come from something fantastic unrelated to an opponent’s mistake, but most of them result from small things that didn’t happen as they should have. I don’t dwell on the past regarding that. We work to improve. Everybody strives to get better." The coach also noted that the defeat against Chiefs was not solely due to Suarez’s blunder, suggesting that another error contributed to the loss. He questioned the referee’s judgment in relation to Ashley Du Preez’s goal, indicating that the match could have had a different outcome.
As the Sundowns prepare for the encounter with Al Ahly, the stakes are high. The team’s goalkeeper, Adams, considers this match as the biggest of his career and is eager to make an impact. "I’m very excited," Adams said, acknowledging the importance of this clash in the CAF Champions League. He hopes that his experience from playing at Stellenbosch FC will help the team edge past the formidable Al Ahly.
Former Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse, who was part of the 2016 team that won the Champions League, expressed confidence in the current squad’s ability to defeat Al Ahly. "Historically, Al Ahly have never been overly convincing in their wins, but they consistently reach the knockout stages. They know how to navigate this Champions League," Arendse explained. He advised Sundowns to be clinical in front of goal, emphasizing the need to score at least two goals, especially since they will be playing at home.
Arendse also highlighted the impact of the Johannesburg altitude on the game, suggesting that Sundowns should take the initiative early on. "The longer the score remains 0-0, the more it favours Al Ahly. They must not give Al Ahly time to breathe. If the ball goes out for a throw-in, it should be taken quickly. We need to push hard in the first 45 minutes. Around the 66th minute, the effects of the altitude will start to kick in," he noted. With the stadium expected to be full, the atmosphere will surely add to the intensity of the match.
As the countdown to the match continues, Cardoso faces a crucial decision regarding Suarez’s inclusion in the starting lineup. Will he gamble on the defender, or will he opt for a different strategy to ensure a solid defense against the reigning African champions? The pressure is mounting, and all eyes will be on Loftus Stadium this Saturday at 15:00.
In the wake of the Chiefs loss, the Sundowns are determined to put the past behind them and focus on the task at hand. The team’s resilience will be tested as they aim to secure a place in the final and potentially earn their second star in the CAF Champions League. With the right mindset and a strategic approach, the Sundowns could very well turn their fortunes around against a tough opponent like Al Ahly.
As the match day approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Sundowns will respond to the challenges they face. The upcoming clash is not just a game; it’s an opportunity for redemption and a chance to reaffirm their status as one of Africa’s premier football clubs. Can the Sundowns rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that will be remembered for years to come? Only time will tell as the excitement builds for this blockbuster semi-final showdown.
