Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso lauds VAR in huge win over Stade Malien in CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is delighted with the use of technology in his team’s massive win in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final staged at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night.

The one-time champions played a good game from the first to the final whistle. Strikes from Khluiso Mudau, Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners were enough to put Masandawana in a prime position to advance to the next phase of the CAF inter-club competition.

They were coming up against an unpredictable Malian outfit who defied the odds to top their group in the initial phase. As a matter of fact, it was the first time that the West African outfit were competing on the stage, and playing the Brazilians at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium wasn’t going to be easy.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Cardoso happy with VAR

As a norm, the VAR is used in the CAF Champions League, but from the quarter-final stage. Coach Miguel Cardoso, who has been vocal about the official’s inconsistencies, explained why it was vital to have the technology, especially in the critical phase.

“Absolutely, unfortunately we had Thapelo Morena injured in the situation in the last match, it was a red-card, it was not given. We saw in the last match here two situations that were taken from us or none existence of VAR,” opened up in the post-match interview.

“Referees should be helped, the game becomes too quick nowadays, too much pressure, they need help and this is a fantastic instrument to help the referees,” Cardoso said.

“Nothing against the referees, just supporting them so that they become better, like we do, because we also watch videos. Everybody needs to get better and get help in the support, so yes important of course,” Cardoso concluded.

The second leg will be played on March 22 in Mali, where Sundowns will need a draw of any kind or a loss by a smaller margin to make the semi-final.