Sundowns are away to the Nigerian champions at the MKO Abiola International Stadium - where Stars thrashed Comoros side Zilimadjou 4-0 in their first round, first leg clash before sealing their progression with a 5-0 aggregate.
For the Brazilians this is their first match of this season's continental competition, and they come into this game on the back of some spotty form - including a 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows in the league and 7-6 penalty defeat in the Carling Knockout Cup to Marumo Gallants, either side of a 4-1 Premiership victory over Richards Bay.
Cardoso' dismissed the notion that his side will start the game as favourites, as a result of making it all the way to last season's Champions League final.
He said in the Citizen: "If we want to play Champions League again, we need to be very strong to beat this team of Remo Stars.
"If we come here and think that the stats, the past or the fact that we were the finalists last season will dictate the outcome, we are making a big mistake.
"We came here to play the first of two matches. Obviously, both teams will find it difficult to adapt to different conditions. We know what this team is capable of. There's a dream in the head of every player from Remo Stars and everybody at the club."
When quizzed about the conditions Downs can expects in Nigeria, Cardoso added: “It is hot in Nigeria, but it is also summer in South Africa. Our players are used to playing in the heat because sometimes in South Africa we have high temperatures at this time of the year.”
Marumo Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte believes his side has what it takes to pull off another upset when they face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on December 6.
Miguel Cardoso says Mamelodi Sundowns need to build on their 1-0 midweek win over TS Galaxy to make up for a poor start to the Betway Premiership campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has praised Sphelele Mkhulise's influence and professionalism, describing the midfielder as a player who represents the very identity of the club.
Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership, while there were also wins for Siwelele FC and Durban City in Wednesday night's domestic action.
