Cardoso: Costa’s Dry Spell Will End Soon – “He’s Like the Ketchup Bottle”

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has thrown his support behind Lucas Ribeiro Costa, insisting it’s only a matter of time before the Brazilian attacker rediscovers his scoring touch, ahead of their CAF Champions League semi-final showdown against Al Ahly.

Costa, who has been a standout in the PSL this season with 13 league goals and 7 assists, has struggled to replicate that form in Africa’s elite club competition, with just 2 goals and 1 assist in 10 Champions League appearances.

Despite the dry spell, Cardoso remains calm and confident:

“Lucas will be like the ketchup … you keep hitting the bottle, and suddenly boof! it all comes out,” said Cardoso iDiski Times. “He’s working normally, staying focused, and that moment will come.”

Why Has Costa Struggled Lately?

Since early March, Costa hasn’t scored in any competition, with teams now double- or triple-marking him, especially in high-stakes continental matches.

“He’s getting special attention — two, sometimes three players on him,” Cardoso explained. “That limits his freedom, but it opens up space elsewhere. The team must learn to capitalize on that, and Lucas needs to adjust — pass early, move smartly, and find new spaces.”

Costa by the Numbers (2024/25 Season)

• 40 appearances in all competitions
• 16 goals, 11 assists overall
• 13 goals, 7 assists in the PSL (league top scorer)
• 2 goals, 1 assist in the CAF Champions League
• 0 goals in MTN8 and Nedbank Cup
• 1 goal, 3 assists in Carling Knockout

Time to Rise – Al Ahly Awaits

Sundowns travel to Cairo for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against defending champions Al Ahly, needing their star players at their best to end a run of three games without a win — the first such streak under Cardoso.

The Brazilian forward remains a key figure in the squad, and Cardoso expects him to deliver when it matters most:

“Players like Lucas are made for big moments. When the spotlight is on, they shine. I believe he’s close to doing that again.”

Sundowns’ continental hopes may hinge on Ribeiro Costa rediscovering his magic, and Cardoso is backing him to make the breakthrough at just the right time.