CAFCL: Cardoso Stance on Suarez Ahead of Al Ahly Tie After His Error Against Kaizer Chiefs
- Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has spoken out on Lucas Suarez featuring in their CAF Champions League semi-final vs. Al Ahly
- The Portuguese manager addressed this after the Argentine defender's blunder against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final
- The Pretoria giants' manager emphasized responsibility in team selection and acknowledged that mistakes are part of the game
Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has addressed his stance on using Lucas Suarez in their CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Al Ahly after his mistake gave Kaizer Chiefs a goal in the Nedbank Cup.
The Brazilians are still ruing their loss against the Glamour Boys in the Nedbank Cup, with the Argentine defender's error leading to Wandile Duba's equaliser, before Ashley Du Preez's controversial goal gave the Soweto giants a 2-1 win.
The error against Nasreddine Nabi's side wasn't the only time Suarez has cost the Brazilians a goal. He was also involved in one of Orlando Pirates’ goals during their 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.
Source: Twitter
Cardoso's stance on Suarez ahead of Al Ahly tie
In an interview with FARPost, Cardoso was asked if Suarez will be targeted by Al Ahly after his recent frequent mistakes.
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The Premier Soccer League giants mentor admitted he can also make mistakes and this is not the time to start pointing fingers because of recent errors.
Source: Twitter
"Before pointing fingers at a player for an error, I always remind myself — I may have made several mistakes even before the match began," he said.
"The first one could be in my team selection. Out of a squad of more than 20 players, I can only pick 11. The moment I name my starting lineup, there are already more than a dozen who think I got it wrong — and they're not alone."
The Portuguese manager went on to emphasize that mistakes are part of football, and any one can fall victim including the coaches.
"Sometimes goals come from sheer brilliance, not from errors. But more often than not, it’s the little things — missed details, small lapses — that lead to conceding. I don’t fixate on the past. Instead, we focus on learning, on moving forward. Everyone, from players to coaches, is constantly working to grow and improve."
Cardoso also defended Suarez after Duba made a comments about Kaizer Chiefs players targeting the Argentine defender during the match.
Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome Al Ahly to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the first leg of the semi-final clash on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
The second leg will happen six days later at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt, the same venue Orlando Pirates defeated the Red Devils in the group stage of the competition.
Sundowns axe forgotten Bafana Bafana star
Briefly News earlier reported that Mamelodi Sundowns are said to be ready to release a forgotten Bafana Bafana star after going six years without making his debut for the club.
The South African international has been loaned out by the Brazilians on different occasions before deciding to cut ties with him this summer.
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Source: Briefly News
