Cardoso rallies Sundowns after defensive lapses cost them against Al Hilal

MAMELODI

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was left frustrated after his team’s 2-2 draw with Al Hilal in their CAF Champions League group-stage clash on Friday, but he remains adamant their fate is still in their hands.Sundowns are top of Group C in their continental campaign with five points, level with second-placed Al Hilal. So, had they beaten their closest rivals at home at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, they could have bought themselves some breathing space.

The Brazilians were their own worst enemies against the Sudanese outfit, forgetting two of the golden rules of the continent: possession doesn’t win matches, and home games at any stage of the competition are must-win.

And that's not all. Sundowns let themselves down defensively on the two goals conceded, as they failed to close down their opponents and allowed them space inside the box.