‘Don’t punish a player who already has enough weight on his shoulders doing his job and is trying to do his best,’ said the Sundowns head coach.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has come out in support of Argentinean defender Lucas Suarez, after his error allowed Kaizer Chiefs a way back into Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal.
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Sundowns were a goal up and in control of the game at Loftus Stadium, when Suarez needlessly gave possession away to Wandile Duba, who made the most of the gift and sent a low shot past Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns’ Cardoso – ‘Wonderful performance’
Chiefs went on and won the game with two minutes left, Ashley Du Preez firing home from what looked like an offside position.
“We came from a high level match on Tuesday (a goalless draw against Esperance that got Sundowns into the semifinals of the Caf Champions League) where Lucas put in a wonderful performance and was in the Champions League team of the week,” said Cardoso at the post match press conference.
“So I think this is not fair (to criticise Suarez). Even today he made one mistake but had a normal game. Did you see one shot from structured play by Chiefs?
“Just be fair. Don’t punish a player who already has enough weight on his shoulders doing his job and is trying to do his best.”
Cardoso preferred to lay the blame for the loss mostly at the door of the decision to allow Du Preez’ goal to stand.
‘Win together and lose together’
“Today we are out of the competition … minutes from the end from an offside goal,” he added.
“We need to stand up and win together and lose together. We should have done more (to win). Chiefs fought and congratulations to them and their coach for the win. We should have had 30 minutes more to play (in extra time) but there was no time to write the last chapter.
“Maybe the sponsor can provide VAR so the game is more fair. It is important at this stage of the competition.”
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Sundowns must now make a quick recovery as they prepare to take on Al Ahly on Friday in the first leg of their Caf Champions League semifinal at Loftus Stadium.
