{
  "id": 19121054,
  "title": "‘We paid for our mistakes’: Cardoso reflects on Super Cup defeat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/we-paid-for-our-mistakes-cardoso-reflects-on-super-cup-defeat",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T08:41:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-11-09-we-paid-for-our-mistakes-cardoso-reflects-on-super-cup-defeat/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso admitted his team's defeat to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup was due to costly mistakes. The Brazilians entered the match as reigning CAF Champions League winners, but were unable to overcome their defensive lapses and failure to capitalize on attacking opportunities. Cardoso pointed out that the difference between the two teams was not the number of chances created, but how effectively they turned those chances into goals. He stated that USM Alger's level of profit from their chances was higher than what Sundowns achieved from theirs. The match conditions at Loftus Versfeld, particularly after rain affected the pitch, added to Sundowns' challenge. However, Cardoso did not use the weather as an excuse for his team's shortcomings. Despite the loss, he congratulated USM Alger on their victory and acknowledged the opposition's quality and resilience. For Sundowns, the defeat serves as a reminder that continental pedigree alone is not enough. The Brazilians need to address their defensive errors and improve their efficiency in front of goal for future success.",
  "summary": "Miguel Cardoso has reflected on Sundowns’ 3-1 CAF Super Cup defeat, blaming costly mistakes and missed chances while admitting the rain made their second-half recovery more difficult.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cardoso blames defensive lapses and missed chances for Sundowns' defeat.",
    "Rain-affected pitch at Loftus Versfeld added to Sundowns' challenge.",
    "Defeat highlights need for Sundowns to improve defensively and frontally."
  ],
  "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."
}