The Brazilians are clear favourites heading into the tie based on their previous experience in the continental competition.
Cardoso's team are expected to progress to the semi-finals but Stade Malien have already proved their worth in this season's competition by ending as Group D winners, ahead of ES Tunis, Petro de Luanda and Simba SC, while Sundowns qualified for the knockout stage as runners-up of Group C.
Ahead of the game, Cardoso said on iDiski Times: "It's a team that has a lot of physicality, in some moments, some teams suffered a lot with that in the group stages.
"But also, that physicality can play against you because also sometimes there are more attractions on the ball, let's see.
"But Sundowns players have experience also and if they take it to the limit and understand how to approach the game tactically and strategically, probably it can work."
Stade Malien head coach Mauril Njoya says his side are capable of springing a surprise by beating Mamelodi Sundowns in their upcoming CAF Champions League quarter-final.
Mamelodi Sundowns will be facing opposition from Mali for the first time when they host Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg on Friday.
Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye was disappointed with his side's defending as they went down 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns at Olympia Park on Tuesday night.
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners admits it's a relief to be back in action and scoring goals for Mamelodi Sundowns after a lengthily spell on the sidelines.
