Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso admits his side are still not fresh and lamented the amount of preparation time they've had compared to other teams.
The Brazilians' journey in the MTN8 came to an end after losing to the Soweto giants on penalties at a sold out Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The inability to bury the chances came back to haunt the league champions with the coach first to admit and paid a huge price in the end.
“I think we saw exactly what we expected, a team of Orlando Pirates just throwing long balls, aerial balls on the flanks. We had to control that game, I think we did, the only time we made a mistake is the goal from Pirates,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“I just regret the opportunities we had, we could’ve scored.
"I think Sundowns is still not fresh, we are struggling, we have not had long time of preparation as Pirates have and our players are not so reactive so quick and that will come,” added the boss.
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who was decisive in the shoot-out just as he was in the final 2023 between these two led the way once again for the Buccaneers.
“We knew that we had to pay that price, but well then, it’s the penalties, their goalkeeper was fantastic and it’s the difference of the game," he added.
"Very equal game, I think 1-1 it’s a fair result. Like, I think 1-1 was the fair result in the first game, very equal game and they did well on penalties, victory to Pirates, I must say congratulations,” Cardoso said.
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