Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso made an impressive debut as Mamelodi Sundowns’ new manager, guiding the South African club to a 1-0 victory over Moroccan visitors Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League on Sunday.
Cardoso, who previously led Tunisian side Esperance to the 2023-2024 final, where they lost to Egypt’s Al Ahly, replaced Manqoba Mngqithi after his sacking following Sundowns’ disappointing start in Group B. The club had drawn with Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo at home and FAR Rabat of Morocco away.
South African international Iqraam Rayners scored the match-winning goal in the 65th minute, firing a low shot past veteran goalkeeper Anas Zniti from just outside the box. It was Rayners’ third goal of the Champions League campaign.
The victory brought Sundowns to five points, level with FAR Rabat but second on goal difference. Raja Casablanca sits on just one point halfway through the six-round group stage.
The Champions League now pauses until January, when the remaining three matchdays will be played on consecutive weekends to complete the mini-league phase.
