Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso hailed his side’s performance after reaching the CAF Champions League final, insisting they fully deserved the victory.

RECAP: Sundowns Seal CAF Final Spot with Win Over Espérance

Sundowns secured their place in the CAF Champions League final with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Espérance de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Miguel Cardoso’s side overcame Espérance de Tunis 2–0 on aggregate across the two legs to secure their place in the final.

They will now face the Moroccan side AS FAR over two legs in the final, scheduled for Friday, 15 May and Sunday, 24 May.

Cardoso emphasised the intensity and fine margins of the competition, praising his players for their balance between defensive discipline and attacking ambition, while expressing pride in leading Sundowns to a second successive final.

“It was decided by the penalty today, but we totally deserved (the win). We made a hell of a game today. Champions League is exactly this, play on the limit,” Cardoso told SABC Sport after the match.

“Understand there are moments where you have to be very committed on defence but never forget there’s a goal on the other side and then in the moment you can take control of the game, high opportunity inside the pitch for my players.

“Very happy, it’s absolutely marvellous to give the second final in a row to this club so for my players, so proud of them, so proud of the club for South Africa I think it’s really a strong word and for myself, staff it’s a third time in a row you make Champions League final.”