Miguel Cardoso Explains Why Mamelodi Sundowns Lost to Marumo Gallants, Reisinho’s Poor Debut
- Miguel Cardoso has shared his opinion on the reason behind Mamelodi Sundowns' defeat against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup
- The Betway Premiership champions were finalists last season, but have crashed out of this campaign edition in the first round
- The Portuguese mentor also commented on the Brazilians new signing, Reisinho, being sent off on his debut for the club in the game
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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to the Brazilians’ surprising defeat against Marumo Gallants in the first round of the Carling Knockout Cup. The match, played at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, ended in a goalless draw during regular time and extra time, with Sundowns eventually losing 7–6 in the penalty shootout.
Source: Getty Images
The Portuguese coach also shared his thoughts on new signing Reisinho, who had a disappointing debut after being sent off a few minutes after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Sundowns, last year’s finalists, were the better side for most parts of the game, but they failed to convert their chances and were punished during the penalty shootout.
Cardoso reacts to Sundowns' defeat to Gallants
Despite playing extra time with ten men, Cardoso praised his players’ spirit and effort in the game, stating there was nothing specific to point to as the reason for the loss.
He admitted that his team did everything possible to win, but their inability to find the back of the net before the game went to penalties ultimately cost them the tie.
“My players fought so well through the 120 minutes,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“It’s easy to talk about execution and plans, but they did everything they could. We attacked, they resisted, and the game stayed level. We couldn’t score, that’s football. When it comes to penalties, it’s about details, and we came up short.”
The former Esperance of Tunisia head coach refused to criticise Reisinho for being sent off, saying it was an unfortunate but natural part of the game. Sundowns played the extra time with ten men before losing on penalties.
“These things happen in football. It’s unlucky that we had to play so long with one less player, but we controlled the game even with ten men. We created chances, we dominated possession, the only thing missing was the goal,” he added.
Cardoso concluded by reiterating that the team’s effort couldn’t be faulted, and he remains proud of his players for their resilience, expressing hope that they will improve in upcoming matches.
Source: Getty Images
“The story will always be about the goal we didn’t score, but I’m proud of the players’ resilience. No complaints, just lessons to take forward,” the Portuguese tactician concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns will hope to bounce back in their next game after the international break, and it's yet to be confirmed if Cardoso will still retain his position till then.
Sundowns snubbed among favourites to win CKO
Briefly News also reported that a Sports analyst ignored Sundowns while listing the favourite teams to win the Carling Knockout Cup this season.
The pundit also explained why he didn't include the Brazilians in the list despite being one of the top sides in the competition.
Source: Briefly News
