Sundowns carry a slender 1-0 advantage into the second leg against Esperance Sportive de Tunis, but Cardoso is not interested in protecting that lead - he wants his team to go out and win again.
Facing his former club adds an emotional subplot, yet the Portuguese tactician insists sentiment will not distract from the task at hand.
"The emotions and the place where we stand is obviously a place where we see the responsibility of such a match," Cardoso said.
"But our thoughts have nothing to do with what we did in the previous one. It's a door that we closed."
Rather than dwelling on the narrow victory in Tunis, Cardoso is demanding a complete mental reset from his players - one built on ambition, intensity, and clarity of purpose.
"We look at this match as one that we want to win. We want to play to win, we want to be a strong team, and we want to be very capable."
His message is unmistakable: no complacency, no reliance on the aggregate scoreline - only a forward-thinking approach focused on performance.
Cardoso further stressed that success will hinge on his side's ability to impose themselves physically and tactically, while maintaining the discipline required in high-stakes continental football.
"We want to face it with the maximum sense of will to produce a result - a result that has to be taken seriously in terms of approach, regarding how we look, how we fight, and how we create conditions to fight for a victory."
Despite their advantage, Sundowns are under no illusions about the challenge posed by an experienced Esperance side, renowned for thriving under pressure in Africa's elite competition.
With a place in the final on the line, the Brazilians will need to deliver a composed yet assertive performance in front of their home supporters - one that reflects both their pedigree and ambition on the continental stage.
Saturday's showdown is set to deliver high drama, as two heavyweights of African football battle for a coveted place in the final.
Orlando Pirates have received a timely boost ahead of their crucial Betway Premiership encounter against AmaZulu FC this weekend, with the Buccaneers set to take to the field without any suspension concerns.
Esperance defender Mohamed Drager has offered measured praise of Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League semi-final second leg, insisting the Brazilians are a major force but not beyond reach.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel has shifted the focus away from celebration and onto responsibility, insisting that the club's recent surge in form should be treated as the bare minimum rather than something extraordinary.
Stellenbosch FC boosted their push for a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership with a composed 3-1 victory over Sekhukhune United at a rain-soaked Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
