Sundowns star Mthobi Mvala makes long-awaited return as Miguel Cardoso explains change

Masandawana cruised to a convincing victory after scoring three goals in the second half, with Malibongwe Khoza earning the Man of the Match award following another impressive defensive display.

Ndamane was taken off at the break despite Sundowns heading into half-time level, with Cardoso revealing that the decision was made to avoid the young defender risking a second yellow card.

"We decided to take Ndamane out because of the yellow card, it's always dangerous to play teams that are waiting for transitions, on a duel we can get a second card, and then the match was 0-0," he said on SuperSportTV.

"So we decided immediately to bring also Mthobi, I'm very happy he comes back after such a long time. I think he played very well also."

Mvala's introduction marked his first appearance for Sundowns since last year in September, bringing an end to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Cardoso was also full of praise for Khoza, who continues to make his mark as one of the promising young defenders in the Sundowns squad.

"Congratulations to Mali. We know what we have there, the Sundowns future is also in the hands of the young players. Today, he showed maturity and obviously as more experience we give the best he will become.

“And bravo for him, bravo for the team. I think it was a beautiful game defensively also.”