MTN8 semi-finals: Five standout performers from the 1st-leg action
An exciting weekend of MTN8 action produced four goals and some impressive performances from some of the stars of the four semi-finalists.
The second leg will take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
The Brazilians drew 1-1 with the defending champions at Orlando Stadium, with Teboho Mokoena heading home from a Marcelo Allende corner late in the first half before Kamogelo Sebelebele struck an 87th-minute equaliser for the Buccaneers.
While the away goal theoretically gives Sundowns a slight edge, Cardoso is adamant that his players must approach the return leg with ambition rather than caution.
"Obviously, scoring one goal away can make a difference, but that can depend on a lot of things that could happen in the second match," Cardoso said.
"Of course, we know that if we can get a clean sheet, we go through. But we know that Pirates and Sundowns can score goals in the second leg because both teams are teams that usually score goals... it's difficult for these teams to play a goalless draw.
"And if you think about not conceding, for sure you're going to concede
"You need to play the next match to win because if you win, you go through.
"The biggest advantage we've got is that if we win the next match at home, it's enough. But it's good that we scored, and it's a slight advantage because a 0-0 draw would be enough for us to go to the final, but if it's 1-1 or 2-2, it will be a different story."