Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso revealed that key halftime adjustments, both tactical and mental, helped sharpen his team’s approach, highlighting their focus, strategic discipline and burning desire as the driving force behind their performance.

The Brazilians cruised to a convincing 2-0 win over MC Alger in their final Group C match in Pretoria, sealing their place in the knockout rounds.

Brayan Léon struck once in each half at Loftus Versfeld to underline Sundowns’ dominance on the night.

The Tshwane giants advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group C on nine points, recording two wins, three draws and one defeat from their six matches.

Cardoso praised his side’s composure and mentality after Mamelodi Sundowns managed the game with maturity despite holding a slender 1-0 advantage, stressing the importance of understanding every moment and pushing for a decisive second goal.

“When you play a football game and you have a one-zero advantage, you can lose and we obviously had to understand each moment, it was late but the focus was scoring the second goal,” Cardoso said on SABC Sport post-match.

“We made some corrections at halftime and I think it was the right attitude, tactically, strategically and on the mindset. Eyes on the eyes, but fire on the heart.”