By Linda Ximba |
Coach Miguel Cardoso expects a bruising encounter when Mamelodi Sundowns host Stade Malien in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium tonight.
Masandawana head into the clash after what Cardoso described as a demanding week, having played a domestic match against Orbit College FC on Tuesday while preparing for the continental showdown.
Cardoso again expressed frustration that Sundowns were the only team among the quarterfinalists forced to play league matches during the build-up to the CAF fixture. Despite the short turnaround, he insisted his team would be ready to deliver.
“We know we want to proceed and we will do our best in the two matches that we will have to progress,” Cardoso said during a press conference in Pretoria on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach expects the Malian champions to bring a physical approach, warning that his players must be ready for an intense battle.
“They are a very aggressive team in terms of how they go for duels and contact. They try to stop play with many fouls,” he said.
Cardoso believes Sundowns must remain disciplined and stick to their tactical plan to exploit spaces when they arise.
However, Sundowns will be without defender Thapelo Morena, who picked up an injury in the midweek league encounter.
