Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shared his thoughts ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Tshwane, which gave Pyramids the away goal advantage going into the return fixture in Cairo. However, Cardoso believes that Pyramids will stick to their usual attacking game plan instead of trying to protect their slight advantage.
Cardoso praised Pyramids' playing style, describing it as "clear and understandable" but also admitting that it's not always easy to stop. He said that although some teams are harder to figure out tactically, they can still be easier to control on the field. In contrast, Pyramids are a well-balanced side that can cause problems both in attack and defense, and Sundowns need to be highly focused in all four phases of the game.
He emphasized that even if Pyramids score, it won’t necessarily knock Sundowns out of the match. The key for his team is to remain calm, organized, and take their chances. He stressed the importance of balance—knowing when to attack and how to remain solid at the back. Cardoso also mentioned that coaches on both sides will likely take similar approaches, as playing only to avoid conceding rarely leads to success in such high-stakes matches.
When asked about injuries or changes to the squad, Cardoso confirmed that there are no new concerns. The same players who were available in the first leg will be available for selection in the second leg.
The match kicks off this evening at 19:00 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. With everything still to play for, it promises to be a tense and exciting battle for continental glory
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