Downs’ boys must become men after beating Esperance

MAMELODI Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is already planning the Brazilians’ next step, arguing that his boys will have to be men next week and that they can’t afford to rest on their laurels when they visit Espérance in Tunisia.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Sundowns will head to North Africa high on confidence after beating Espérance 1-0 in the CAF Champions League quarter-final, first leg, on Tuesday.

Peter Shalulile chipped in with the all-important goal for the Brazilians in the second half, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

However, it was a painful defeat for Esperance and their supporters, some of whom were involved in physical altercations with the fellow nation after the game, resulting in ugly scenes.

The Brazilians will hope that security will be on high alert to ensure they play under safer conditions in Tunisia, with the battle being decided on the pitch.

Although Sundowns may seem to have an advantage on the scoreboard, Cardoso begs to differ, having coached the Tunisian giants last season, he knows they are a different animal on home soil.