‘The level of preparation we are going to put in is the same as for an important final,’ says coach

Mamelodi Sundows have often come up against unfancied opposition in the qualifying stages of the Champions League, but Angolan side Wiliete SC are a different gravy.

Wiliete held the Brazilians to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier in Lubango on Sunday and the visitors have a golden opportunity to cause a major upset against the defending champions in Pretoria.

Sundowns go into this match backed by a proud record of having made it to the group stages since 2016. Cardoso said his must be at their best to maintain that record.

The last time Downs failed to qualify for the group stages was when they were knocked out 3-2 on aggregate by TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 2015 edition.

The visitors arrive in the capital with a strong recent run of five wins and one draw in their opening six matches in Angola’ top-flight Girabola, conceding just two goals.

“The level of preparation we are going to put in is the same as for an important final,” Cardoso said ahead of the second leg.

“I don’t look at the fact that we drew away as a negative and I am saying that with all due respect. The last time Sundowns played against Petro de Luanda from Angola, they were knocked out of the Champions League [in the 2021-22 quarterfinals].

“This team is on top of the log in Angola, they have conceded only two goals in the matches they have played. They are as qualified as the team of Petro Luanda.

“I said it when the draw came out that it was not a kind one for us but Sundowns will stand for its level. We arrived in Angola and produced a result that puts us in the match and we just need to finish it.”

Wiliete were competitive at home. Cardoso pointed out there are no easy games in continental football.

“Is it not going to be easy because there are no easy things in the Champions League. If we think it’s going to be easy, we would be misjudging the situation.

“I think there have been difficult qualification round matches in the past and we have to fight for it. We are gathering the energy, mentality and connection and we will find the best ones to start the match and those who are going to help us to finish it and we will move forward from there.”

Cardoso has a good idea of what he is up against.

“They have quick players in the front. This team needs to be respected and I showed that respect to them from the beginning.

“[Having said that] I don’t want my players to show too much respect to anyone inside the four lines. That will mean respect for ourselves is higher than what you have for the opponents. It is just when you recognise the weaknesses of the opponents that you can exploit them.

“They have quick players, they can use the wings to attack, they have energy in the middle, they have centrebacks that are stable.

“They don’t overlap a lot on the sides and they can play a good zonal game.”