Mamelodi Sundowns coach admits the Brazilians face tough CAF Champions League hurdle

The Brazilians will have to contend with an opponent enjoying an impressive start to the domestic season, having collected five wins and a draw from their opening six Girabola matches.

While Sundowns boast considerable experience in continental competition, Cardoso is aware that their reputation will count for little against a Wiliete side that has demonstrated its ability to produce results.

The Portuguese coach revealed that preparations for the encounter began immediately after Sundowns returned from their domestic commitments in Durban, underlining the importance of gathering information about their opponents before the two sides meet.

Cardoso also acknowledged that the draw had not provided his team with an easy route through the qualifying round, particularly given Wiliete's position at the top of the Angolan league.

"We will respect this qualifying round, the draw was not friendly, sometimes we catch teams we understand, okay we will do it, this is a tough one, they are leading the Angolan championship, we arrived from Durban and already started studying them," the Downs mentor told the media.

His remarks highlight the challenge facing Sundowns as they pursue another successful campaign on the continent, where a single difficult tie can complicate ambitions of progressing further in the competition.

While the Angolan outfit have enjoyed a positive start to their season, Sundowns have also been in impressive form domestically, topping the Betway Premiership standings and lifting the MTN8 trophy.