Cardozo: "Controlling Emotions Correctly Will Be Key in Second Leg Against AS FAR"

Miguel Cardozo, coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, affirmed that his team will approach the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR with intense focus to preserve their first-leg advantage and clinch the title.

The Portuguese coach explained, in statements reported by the South African website 'soccerladuma', that his team needs to concentrate on the result they achieved in the first leg and not dwell on missed opportunities, stating: "We must draw energy from the result we currently have, not from the result we could have achieved."

Cardozo added that this is the first time he has played a continental final second leg with a lead, saying: "The first time we drew with Al Ahly when I was with Esperance, and the second time we drew 1-1 here against Pyramids. This time we have a one-goal advantage, but we will see if that is enough or not. We will fight to make it enough."

The Sundowns coach indicated that his players delivered a good performance in the first leg and could have scored a second goal, adding: "A second goal would have been deserved given the level the team showed, but that is not the energy we will take with us."

He continued: "We will take the correct energy, and we will approach the second leg with great seriousness. The more we focus on being ourselves, the closer we get to achieving what we need."

Cardozo also emphasized that the confrontation will be strong and difficult, asserting that his team possesses the necessary character and experience to handle such matches, before concluding: "I believe that controlling emotions in the right way will be the key to the second match."

Sundowns will visit AS FAR next Sunday at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, kicking off at 8:00 PM, knowing that the South African club won the first leg by one goal to nil.