Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso admitted his side started slowly but praised their resilience and game management after securing the result.

The Brazilians secured a 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United after a goal from Marcelo Allende and a double from Iqraam Rayners secured them the win at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The win saw Sundowns move level on points with log leaders Orlando Pirates on 41 points after 18 matches in the Betway Premiership.

Cardoso highlighted the relief of their first-half goal, the positive impact of substitutions, and the valuable lessons learned about maintaining intensity from the opening minute.

“I think the analysis is absolutely correct, I think we made quite a slow first half, probably the responsibility of the game was on the minds of the players. But we made a wonderful goal that brought relief in the first half,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I think we could’ve done even better, but in terms of the game we had to manage them according to the circumstances and we knew what we had in the bench that could come inside and bring some energy and difference.

“I’m happy that it happened and I think today’s match is also a lesson for ourselves. These kind of matches you need to win them from the first minute and not let time pass by, but congratulations to the players for the effort they gave until the last minute.”