{
  "id": 16449268,
  "title": "Sundowns’ Cardoso expects heat after CAF disaster",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/sundowns-cardoso-expects-heat-after-caf-disaster",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T08:00:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/sundowns-cardoso-expects-heat-after-caf-disaster/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mamelodi Sundowns are bracing themselves for criticism following their disastrous exit from the CAF Champions League. The Brazilian side suffered a 1-1 draw against Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld, with the Angolan team advancing on away goals. This marks the first time since 2015 that Sundowns have failed to make it to the group stages, a result that dealt a significant blow to their hopes of defending their continental title. Coach Miguel Cardoso knows the team will face increased pressure, stating, \"We need to stay united, committed to each other and be strong behind the doors of Chloorkop.\" He added, \"How we become immune to that is exactly what will allow us to win more in the future.\" Despite winning the MTN8 and FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup this season, reaching the Champions League was a top priority. Cardoso's emotional reaction to the defeat highlighted the magnitude of the club's failure, acknowledging it as \"a big punch in our face.\" With the team's focus shifting to the Carling Knockout, Cardoso emphasized that Sundowns cannot simply move on without acknowledging the significance of their Champions League exit.",
  "summary": "'From now on, there will be a lot of fire on us. I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of fire on us,' he said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}