The DStv Premiership giants secured their place in the tournament's final after edging out Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly on the away goals rule.
Following a tense 0-0 draw in Pretoria, Sundowns held the defending champions to a 1-1 draw at Cairo International Stadium on Friday night, with a late own-goal sealing their passage.
Al Ahly took the lead in the second half through Taher Mohamed, putting pressure on Sundowns to respond. But Cardoso's men held their nerve and were rewarded in the 90th minute when Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim turned the ball into his own net, handing Sundowns a vital away goal and a place in the final.
Speaking after the match, Cardoso emphasised the importance of belief within the squad.
"Trust, no doubt. Trust in the way that we've been living this experience together. Trust in each other's quality, trust in the game plan, and trust that even while losing 1-0, we would score," said the Downs coach as quoted by panafricanfootball.com.
"Trust that history had to be written today, and trust in our families back home and our supporters in South Africa."
Sundowns will now face Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the final, as they seek to clinch continental glory for the first time since 2016.
Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien says the underdog tag will allow his side to play with freedom when they take on Simba SC in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has praised his players for a "fantastic performance" despite their narrow 3-2 defeat to Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg on Friday night.
AmaZulu FC midfielder Bongani Zungu has shed light on what went wrong with his expected move to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca before eventually signing for the KwaZulu-Natal-based club.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has urged his players to maintain full mental focus ahead of their must-win Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
