Heartbreak for Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns after CAF Champions League final defeat

Sundowns fell 2-1 to the Egyptian side in the second leg at the 30 June Stadium on Sunday, losing 3-2 on aggregate. The first leg in Pretoria had ended in a 1-1 draw, with Sundowns unable to establish control in either game.

Pyramids' threat on the counterattack and from set-pieces proved decisive, with their second goal on Sunday coming from a well-executed set-play.

"Our players were able to show good commitment, a good attitude, and good quality. Guiding them to the final, as I said, I'm very proud. The feeling when you play a final and you don't win is obviously bitter, disappointing," Cardoso told journalists after the game.

"But as I said in the press conference before this match, the sensations that invade me are that I have a wonderful group of men in my locker room, and obviously, in this moment, they are suffering."

Sundowns' season is not over, however. After a brief break, the squad will travel to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face Ulsan HD of Korea on 18 June.

They will then meet German giants Borussia Dortmund three days later, before concluding the group stage against Brazilian side Fluminense on 25 June.

"But they (my players) will get up as true champions that they are, as true human beings who are champions on a daily basis in their lives, the way they are committed in what they do. We will proceed on our way. We still have a lot to do," he added.

"In this moment, what is important is that we go back and set new objectives, and we can repeat the opportunity of playing a Champions League final and be even better than we were."

This is the second consecutive season that Cardoso has fallen short in the Champions League final, having lost to record winners Al Ahly with Esperance last season.

Sundowns themselves have now suffered heartbreak twice in this competition's final - after their 2016 triumph, they also lost to Al Ahly in 2021.