Sundowns can cope in Al Ahly Cairo cauldron, says positive coach Cardoso

AFTER Mamelodi Sundowns failed to capitalise on home-ground advantage over the weekend, a dream all-South African CAF Champions League final hangs in the balance.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Sundowns and Egypt's record 14-time title holders Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The stalemate has set the stage for a thrilling return fixture on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium (6pm kick-off).

Al Ahly are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown.

On Saturday, both teams demonstrated their tactical prowess, with Sundowns managing only a solitary shot on target.

Al Ahly had two goals controversially ruled out for offside after viewing VAR, alongside striking the post.

Miguel Cardoso, the Sundowns coach, has maintained a positive outlook despite their first-leg defeat.

He said the tie was far from over, and his players have what it takes to perform in challenging conditions.