Mamelodi Sundowns are through to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League despite their 2-0 loss to Stade Malien.
The Brazilians advanced on a 3-2 aggregate win after doing the most by beating Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg.
With Sundowns advancing to the semifinals, this has eased the mounting pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso.
Cardoso was hired by Sundowns with a mandate to deliver the CAF Champions League, and at times, the team did not play like the strong favourites they are.
CAFCL: FOURTH SEMIFINAL APPEARANCE IN A ROW FOR SUNDOWNS
Now, according to OptaJabu, this is the fourth time in a row that Mamelodi Sundowns make it to the CAF Champions League semifinals.
In 2022-23, Sundowns were eliminated in the semifinals by Wydad Athletic Club on away-goal rule after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home.
In 2023-24, the Tshwane giants were ousted by Esperance de Tunis on a 2-0 scoreline with Cardoso in charge of the Tunisian giants.
Last season, Sundowns reached the final but they were stunned by minnows Pyramids FC of Egypt.
The Betway Premiership defending champions will now face Esperance de Tunis, this time hope to get past them and go all the way to lift the trophy.
DO THE BRAZILIANS STAND A GOOD CHANCE?
Sundowns, indeed, stand a good chance of lifting this season’s CAF Champions League trophy given their experience.
However, they will have to work on their terrible away record which has been their downfall since March 2024.
Sundowns have played 12 away matches in the CAF Champions League since then, winning just one, drawing six and losing five.
