The Brazilians fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat as Pyramids claimed their maiden Caf Champions League title at 30 June Stadium on Sunday, 1 June.
- Sundowns lose CafCL title
- Zwane an unused sub
- Khumalo defends Cardoso’s selections
WHAT HAPPENED?
Sundowns’ night in Cairo ended in heartbreak as their bid for a second continental crown was crushed by Pyramids, who secured their first title in their debut Caf Champions League campaign.
As debate swirls on social media over head coach Miguel Cardoso’s decision to snub big-match player Themba Zwane, Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has defended the Portuguese and instead applauded the team’s efforts.
WHAT KHUMALO SAID?
“For us to be pointing fingers, I don’t think it’s proper, because we lose as a team, we win as a team,” he said on SABC3 (as quoted by iDiski Times).
“I should give it to Sundowns because they showed character in the last 30 minutes. Had they started like this in the first 45 minutes I think we’d be talking a different ball game,” he continued.
“I think the subs that came on made a lot of difference, irrespective of (Arthur) Sales… Yes, I understand the guys wanted to (see) ‘Mshishi’ but in this game, Themba (Zwane) hasn’t played for quite some time and I strongly believe, yes the DNA is Sundowns – it’s combinational play, possession and all that.
“Look at the number of chances they created, they tried their level best but it was not meant to be. But I’m very proud of Sundowns players, the bench and all those players that traveled with the team, Sundowns actually represented South African football very well,” Khumalo concluded.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While Sundowns are left licking their wounds, Krunoslav Jurcic’s side have gone one better, building on last season’s Caf Confederation Cup final appearance to conquer the continent with their first Caf Champions League title.
WHAT NEXT FOR SUNDOWNS?
The Brazilians must now regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next big-stage challenge at the Fifa Club World Cup, where they’ve been drawn in Group F.
Their campaign kicks off against Korean side Ulsan on 18 June, followed by a clash with German giants Borussia Dortmund on 21 June and a showdown with Brazil’s Fluminense on 25 June