Cardoso Reveals Email From Sundowns Chairman After African Exit

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has accepted that his side must take responsibility for their unexpected exit from the CAF Champions League after losing their place in the competition to Angolan club Wiliete SC.

The South African champions were eliminated in the second preliminary round on Friday night following a disappointing result that ended their ambition of defending the continental crown. Their early departure also marked the first time since 2015 that Sundowns failed to secure a place in the tournament’s group stages.

Sundowns went into the return fixture at Loftus Versfeld knowing they needed a victory after drawing 0-0 in the first leg in Angola. Their chances appeared promising when Tashreeq Matthews found the net in the 10th minute, giving the home supporters hope of a successful outcome.

However, the Brazilians struggled to turn their early lead into a more comfortable advantage. Striker Brayan León wasted two significant scoring opportunities before halftime, leaving Sundowns vulnerable to a possible comeback.

Their concerns became reality shortly after the break when a costly defensive error allowed Wiliete to equalise. Cassius Mailula played a misplaced back pass that Angolan forward Mabululu intercepted before beating goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The goal levelled the match and placed the visitors in a favourable position under the away-goals rule. Despite their efforts to find a decisive second goal, Sundowns were unable to recover, bringing their continental campaign to an unexpected end.

Speaking to SABC Sport after the encounter, Cardoso expressed his frustration and acknowledged that the team had failed to meet the expectations placed upon them.

The Portuguese tactician felt his players had created sufficient opportunities to secure qualification. However, he questioned their response after conceding, suggesting that frustration and emotions influenced their decisions when they still had time to change the outcome.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/cardoso-reacts-to-downs-shock-cafcl-exit/

Khadijah feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com