Miguel Cardoso Explains Reason Behind Mamelodi Sundowns' Exit From Nedbank Cup

• Miguel Cardoso has broken his silence after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a disappointing defeat against TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup
• The Portuguese mentor suffered the cup setback after top performance against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League and Orlando Pirates in the league
• The former Esperance of Tunisia head coach also analysed some of the things the Brazilians did wrongly against the Rockets

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained the reason behind Mamelodi Sundowns' defeat against TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

The Rockets defeated the Brazilian 2-0 at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday, 21 February 2026, and are one of the teams that secured a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Sundowns' setback in the Nedbank Cup came after back-to-back wins against Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger in the CAF Champions League and Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership.

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Cardoso reacts to Sundowns' loss to Galaxy

Speaking after the game, Cardoso maintained that costly individual errors were decisive in his side’s Nedbank Cup elimination against TS Galaxy.

The Portuguese tactician rotated his squad heavily, introducing 10 changes to the starting line-up from the team that edged the Sea Robbers 2-1 earlier in the week at the FNB Stadium.

Despite the reshuffle, he stressed that the outcome stemmed from avoidable lapses rather than selection decisions.

He noted that in knockout fixtures, there is no margin for recovery once momentum is lost, adding that his team placed themselves under unnecessary pressure by conceding twice. Reflecting on a previous semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs, he pointed out a similar scenario where a lead was surrendered due to preventable mistakes.

Cardoso analysed what Sundowns did wrong

According to Cardoso, Sundowns handed possession away in the build-up to the opening goal and then conceded a penalty that could have been avoided. Chasing the game at 2-0 proved difficult, even though his side fashioned four clear-cut scoring opportunities. He argued that converting just one of those chances would have shifted the momentum and energy of the contest. Ultimately, he admitted the responsibility lay within the team.

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Addressing whether the squad rotation had the desired effect, Cardoso reiterated that the goals conceded were the result of individual shortcomings, not tactical structure or team selection. He emphasised the need for reflection and honest assessment, particularly regarding which players are capable of performing at the required level in high-stakes matches.

While dismissing the notion that everything is fundamentally flawed, he acknowledged that evaluation is necessary to determine who merits continued opportunities.

Sundowns will look to go back to winning ways when they resume league action on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, against AmaZulu FC in the Betway Premiership.

Why Sundowns could sack Cardoso

Briefly News earlier reported that a football analyst explained why Miguel Cardoso could be sacked by Sundowns before the end of the ongoing 2025-26 season.

The Portuguese tactician has failed to replicate the work he did at the club last season this campaign, especially in the CAF Champions League.

Source: Briefly News