Miguel Cardoso bemoans dry pitch for lack of goals in Mamelodi Sundowns draw at Lupopo

Masandawana had to come back from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw against the DR Congo outfit, a result that leaves the Tshwane giants in third spot of Group C.

Sundowns will now have to win the final group match against former head coach Rhulani Mokwena's MC Alger in Algeria in order to progress to the knockout stages.

"In the first half, we knew there would a lot of energy in pressing us, not allowing us to impose the game that we want to play," said Cardoso after the match.

"But we also knew that it would be important not to make any mistakes not to suffer any threats, control as much as possible. Unfortunately, we conceded, Lupopo had more energy even on the stands.

"Second half, we were able to score and create moments of panic in the box of Lupopo. And I think with a very dry pitch, with a surface that is not the best to play, we couldn't finalise situations."

The Brazilians have not failed to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament since the 2017/18 season, a record the Portuguese mentor will want to continue.

"It's not the best scenario with the result we wanted but also not the worst because I remember no one won here. MC Alger lost, Al Hilal drew, Pirates lost 3-0 but in another stadium. It's not easy to play here," added Cardoso.