Mamelodi Sundowns switch focus to in-form AmaZulu after MTN8 semi-final shock

The Brazilians come into this game on the back of a shock 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Sunday.

Cardoso was forced to rest a number of players and ultimately bemoaned a loss of concentration as Junior Dion scored the decisive goal.

Downs had previously suffered a scare in the quarterfinals before eventually seeing off TS Galaxy 3-2. Cardoso's side were also held to a 1-1 league draw with Kaizer Chiefs before seeing off Marumo Gallants 2-0 last week.

AmaZulu are out of the MTN8 after their 4-3 quarterfinal defeat to Sekhukhune, but they remain unbeaten in the league, with wins over Stellenbosch and Siwelele and a 1-1 stalemate with Orlando Pirates.

"We have to think about the match with AmaZulu and then we going to see," said Cardoso after their cup defeat.

"It's important to understand that this team is resting for one week; they played three days ago, and we're going to play again. They're going to rest again to play against us so it's what it is.

"Let's see how we arrive there and then think about. Now we need to think about AmaZulu," Cardoso said.

Speaking after his side's win over Siwelele, where his team netted both goals in the first half, AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane expressed his disappointment over a lack of discipline after the break.

He told his club's website: "I cannot complain about the players who started the game because they have played three games in ten days. Because we trust them, we managed them, and they went out there and gave it their all. But for a fresh member coming on, you must show that you want to be part of the starting eleven, not just be a player who adds numbers.

"I'm disappointed with some players. They need to know that at this level, if you want to win things, you have to be disciplined. 

"I set standards, and those standards must be met whether they like it or not, because I am not happy with that second half."