Why Miguel Cardoso believes a point at St Eloi Lupopo is a tactical win for Mamelodi Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso insisted Mamelodi Sundowns’ draw against St Eloi Lupopo was a measured outcome in a hostile environment, rather than a missed opportunity in their CAF Champions League campaign.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw in Lubumbashi on Sunday, the Sundowns head coach stressed that the contest unfolded almost exactly as anticipated, particularly in a first half dominated by the hosts’ intensity and physical pressure.

“It was a completely different match from the first to the second half, we knew exactly what we would face,” said Cardoso.

Lupopo’s aggressive pressing and early momentum forced Sundowns into a cautious rhythm, with the South African champions prioritising control over ambition. That approach was briefly undone in the 19th minute when a lapse in defensive concentration allowed Enock Moila to strike first for the hosts, a moment Cardoso acknowledged had been costly.

“We knew there would be a lot of energy in the first half in terms of pressing us and not allowing us to play, but we also knew it was important to not suffer any threat and control as much as possible; unfortunately, we had a moment and our defensive line was caught.”

Sundowns responded with greater authority after the interval, levelling in the 55th minute through Jayden Adams, who powered home a header from an Aubrey Modiba corner. Gradually, Masandawana imposed themselves in possession, even striking the woodwork late on through Teboho Mokoena.

Yet despite their dominance in the second half, Sundowns resisted the temptation to fully commit numbers forward in the closing stages — a decision that reflected the wider group context. The result leaves Sundowns in third place in Group C with 6 points, trailing Al Hilal (8) and MC Alger (7).

Cardoso described the draw as a result that fits within the broader qualification picture rather than one to be judged in isolation. “It’s the best scenario in terms of what we wanted to do here, but it’s also not the worst,” he explained.

The Portuguese coach was also keen to highlight the difficulty of playing in Lubumbashi, pointing to recent history as evidence that even South Africa’s strongest sides have struggled in the Congolese cauldron. “Everyone should remember that no one won here of all the teams in the group; Orlando Pirates also lost here in the qualification round because it’s not easy to play here.”

That context helps explain why Sundowns appeared willing to manage risk late on, effectively placing greater emphasis on their final group fixture against MC Alger rather than chasing a potentially decisive — but dangerous — victory away from home. However, Cardoso was quick to shut down any notion that Sundowns are prepared to play conservatively when the stakes rise.

“What we have to do now is go to the next match and play to win because we always play to win; it’s usually losers who play to draw, so we have to win the next match and go through in the competition.”

The message from the Sundowns camp is clear. The draw in Congo was about survival and discipline. The upcoming clash against MC Alger in Pretoria will be about authority, ambition and ensuring their continental journey continues into the quarter-finals.