Miguel Cardoso Dedicates Mamelodi Sundowns’ Win Against Al-Ahli to Late Jayden Adams
- Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso honoured the memory of Jayden Adams after the team's victory over Al-Ahli Saudi at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup
- Portuguese midfielder Nunto Santos scored twice as Sundowns lifted the FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday
- Cardoso revealed he struggled personally with Adams' death and described the win as an important step in honouring his former player
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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso paid an emotional tribute to the late Jayden Adams following the club's 2-1 victory over Al-Ahli Saudi in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Nunto Santos scored both goals as the Brazilians claimed the FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup and advanced to the next stage of the competition.
Cardoso Pays Tribute to Adams
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Cardoso paused to honour Adams, a midfielder who had been a key figure in Sundowns' CAF Champions League-winning campaign last season.
"I want to leave a special word in the memory of Jayden Adams. I think it's a fantastic moment to honour him and dedicate this medal to his soul," the Portuguese coach said.
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"He's always with us and he's always with me. I must confess that I struggled a lot with his death, and we promised ourselves that the best thing we could do is to fight together and honour him throughout our journey together. Today was an important step in that direction and before the match."
Adams passed away more than two months ago, not long after representing Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup, sending shockwaves through South African football.
Mudau and Team Unity Also Recognised
Cardoso also acknowledged Khuliso Mudau, who is currently sidelined with a serious Achilles injury. "I also remember Khuliso Mudau who is an important player that suffered a severe injury. He's not with us but it's important because we're here because of the journey where he was an important piece."
The coach credited the club's leadership and playing group, thanking the chairman, sporting director, and support staff for their contributions to the result.
On his pre-match team talk, Cardoso said unity was central to his message to the squad. "I said in the locker room that no one will win this trophy if they are not united and don't stick together. I told them not to pay too much respect to anyone but just respect the game."
He also acknowledged Al-Ahli's efforts, saying the Saudi side "are not losers today because they had a big journey until they arrived here today."
Masandawana will now wait to learn their next opponent, with their place in the following round secured against the winner of the tie between Mexican club Toluca and the eventual 2026 Copa Libertadores champions.
The Copa Libertadores semi-finals will feature Estudiantes against Flamengo, and Fluminense against Palmeiras, with the final set for the end of November. The Intercontinental Cup winner from the play-off round will face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the competition's final.
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Source: Briefly News
