Miguel Cardoso Defends Williams and Mokoena, Looks Ahead to Fluminense Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has firmly defended goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena following their side’s thrilling 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup in the TQL Stadium on Saturday evening. Miguel Cardoso, known for his tactical acumen, expressed unwavering support for his players despite the challenges faced.

Sundowns Start Strong but Errors Cost Them

The Brazilians began the game in fine fashion, with Lucas Ribeiro dazzling from the halfway line before slotting the ball past Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel in the 11th minute to give Sundowns the lead. However, the advantage was short-lived. A costly mistake from Williams allowed Felix Nmecha to equalise just five minutes later.

In the 34th minute, Mokoena lost possession in a risky area, paving the way for Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy to head home from a Julian Brandt cross and put the visitors ahead. Further defensive lapses followed before half-time as Jobe Bellingham capitalised on a handling error by Williams to extend Dortmund’s lead to 3-1.

Reflecting on the mistakes, Cardoso said: “Last season, we played our style without errors. Miguel Cardoso pointed out that today, two build-up mistakes cost us dearly. At half-time, I supported the players because it would have been easy to blame Teboho. But how can I punish a player who clearly wants to do well? The pressure in games like this is intense, so I stood by the boys.”

Sundowns Battle Back but Come Up Short

Things worsened for Sundowns when Khuliso Mudau inadvertently turned a low cross into his own net around the hour mark, putting Dortmund 4-1 up and seeming to end any hope of a comeback. Yet, Sundowns showed immense fighting spirit, with Iqraam Rayners and substitute Lebo Mothiba scoring to narrow the deficit and set up a nervy finish.

Despite the loss, Miguel Cardoso praised his team’s resilience: “South Africans expect beautiful football and for us to stay true to our identity. Today, I believe we showed that at the highest level. This is a message to the country about the quality of Sundowns football—there’s a lot of negativity around, but we are tough.”

Focus Shifts to Crucial Clash Against Fluminense

Looking ahead, Cardoso is demanding a strong display when Sundowns face Brazilian giants Fluminense in their final Group F fixture on Wednesday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm (SA time).

Fluminense currently lead the group with four points, with Dortmund trailing on goal difference. Sundowns sit third on three points, and Ulsan Hyundai have yet to earn a point after two defeats. Given only the top two teams advance, Sundowns must defeat Fluminense to keep their hopes alive, assuming Dortmund win their next game.

Preparing for a Tough Test Against Fluminense

Cardoso acknowledged the challenge posed by Fluminense: “They are a competitive side coached by someone from a continent where club football has improved massively in the last decade. The game’s intensity has risen significantly. Miguel Cardoso expects a tough opponent, but we will remain true to ourselves—aggressive, confident, and enjoying the game. Without that mindset, we cannot play our football. If we do, we can compete.”

Should Sundowns progress from the group stage, it will mark the first time a team from the country has reached that stage at the Club World Cup, a historic achievement for Sundowns and local football.

Related article: Mamelodi Sundowns Fall Short in 4-3 Thriller Against Dortmund at Club World Cup