Sundowns reach third consecutive Champions League final under Cardoso

Miguel Cardoso becomes third coach in African football history to reach the continental final three times in succession.

Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the CAF Champions League final after defeating Espérance de Tunis 2-0 on aggregate, with a 1-0 second-leg victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday¹². The Pretoria-based club will face Morocco's AS FAR in a two-legged final scheduled for 15 May in Pretoria and 24 May in Rabat¹².

Coach Miguel Cardoso joined an elite group of three managers to reach the Champions League final three times consecutively, alongside Pitso Mosimane and Manuel Jose¹². Cardoso reached the final once with Espérance and twice with Sundowns, but has yet to win the title¹². He lost the 2023-24 final 1-0 on aggregate to Al Ahly while coaching Espérance⁶.

When you enter the group of three coaches, you just need to enjoy, Cardoso said after the semifinal victory¹. He added that the final would be at least as difficult as the semifinal, possibly more so².

Brayan Leon scored the only goal in Saturday's match². Midfielder Thapelo Morena said the team knew what was required to win the title after losing to Pyramids FC 3-2 on aggregate in last season's final⁴. Sundowns' only previous Champions League title came in 2016⁴⁶.

Cardoso faced sustained criticism from supporters between December and January over the team's playing style and failure to win domestic cup competitions³⁵. Speculation about his dismissal intensified after a 2-2 group-stage draw with Al Hilal of Sudan, when he and sporting director Flemming Berg left Loftus through a back entrance to avoid angry fans³. We all knew that I would stay. The ones that wanted me out are probably not the ones who have the power and capacity to decide, Cardoso said⁵.

Sundowns remain in contention for the Betway Premiership title³⁷. Midfielder Bathusi Aubaas said the current squad hoped to emulate the 2016 generation that beat Zamalek in the final⁶.