What did Cardoso tell his players ahead of the second leg against Pyramids?

A defiant Miguel Cardoso has challenged his Mamelodi Sundowns squad to harness their past continental success as inspiration after Saturday's heartbreaking 1-1 CAF Champions League draw against Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld.

The South African champions appeared destined for victory until conceding in the dying seconds, prompting Cardoso to highlight fine margins: "Champions League matches are decided in these critical moments. That loose ball Thapelo Morena couldn't control before their counterattack - these details separate winners from runners-up."

The Portuguese tactician drew parallels with December's 1-0 away win in Cairo, where Teboho Mokoena's strike proved decisive: "That's our reference point - proof we can win in Egypt. This group has come too far to surrender now."

With Pyramids still winless in three encounters against Sundowns , Cardoso stressed the importance of emotional recovery: “We must reset mentally. A 1-0 lead would've been ideal, but the tie remains open. Now we rebuild energy for the Cairo cauldron.”

The dramatic finale sets up a tantalizing second leg, with Cardoso banking on his squad's big-game experience to secure passage to the next round.