Portuguese Cardoso makes winning start as Sundowns coach

Portuguese Miguel Cardoso made a winning debut as Mamelodi Sundowns coach when the South African club beat Moroccan visitors Raja Casablanca 1-0 on Sunday in the CAF Champions League.

Cardoso, who took Tunisian side Esperance to the 2023-2024 final in the premier African club competition before losing to Al Ahly of Egypt, replaced Manqoba Mngqithi this week.

Mngqithi was sacked after Sundowns made a disappointing start in Group B, drawing at home to Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo and away to FAR Rabat of Morocco.

South African international Iqraam Rayners struck after 65 minutes to give the Pretoria club a victory that lifted them to five points, level with FAR but second on goal difference.

Rayners fired a low shot into the corner of the net past veteran goalkeeper Anas Zniti from just outside the area. It was his third goal of the Champions League campaign.

Group stage debutants Maniema have three points and three-time Champions League winners Raja just one halfway through the six-round mini-league stage.

The Champions League now takes a break until January, when there will be three matchdays on consecutive weekends to complete the mini-league phase.