Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step towards the CAF Champions League final after grinding out a crucial away victory in their semi-final clash away in Tunisia.
But head coach Miguel Cardoso insists the job is far from done as they still have another 90 minutes against the hard running Esperance de Tunis side next weekend.
A second-half strike from Bryan Leon in the 51st minute proved decisive, as the Brazilians held firm under pressure to secure a valuable first-leg advantage.
The result puts the Tshwane giants just 90 minutes away from reaching back-to-back finals.
However, Cardoso was quick to downplay any sense of completion, stressing that the tie remains wide open.
“The match was what we expected. We wanted to control possession and find spaces,” he said after the game.
Sundowns found their rhythm early in the first half, but the coach says their positioning fell short of expectations.
Tactical adjustments at the break proved key, as the team returned sharper and more purposeful.
“We corrected a few things in the second half, and the goal gave us an important emotional lift,” Cardoso explained.
The closing stages brought added tension when Grant Kekana was sent off with just minutes remaining, forcing Sundowns to dig deep defensively.
“It became more complicated after we lost Grant. We had to close up and protect what we had,” Cardoso added.
With the decisive second leg set for Loftus Stadium, the Sundowns mentor has already set the tone for what is expected.
“The attitude at home must be even stronger — more commitment, more discipline, more control,” he said.
Despite their advantage, Cardoso made it clear: Sundowns will not sit back.
“We have to play to win. If you don’t, the game becomes dangerous.”