Miguel Cardoso expects nothing less than a win at home to Al Ahly

The Brazilians have only won the continental competition once in their history, back in 2016 when they defeated Zamalek 3–1 over two legs.

They have fallen short one a number of occasions and coincidently lost to Al Ahly in 2001 in their only other appearance in the final.

However, in their seven matches against the Egyptian club in South Africa, Sundowns have won four and drawn three times, giving confidence to Cardoso of a positive result in their crucial first leg at home.

In all games, the Brazilians have won five, lost six and drawn six of their 16 encounters.

Having moved on from the disappointment of his side's controversial Nedbank Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, Cardoso explained that the runaway Betway Premiership leaders intend to end the season with more than one trophy.

He said in the Sowetan: "We have a tough competition ahead against such a strong team – [it's] obviously a challenge. But we have to beat them. The club did win in the past, so let’s try our best.

"And from there we will hope we will have a final to play and several league matches to play until the end, and to raise trophies."

Reflecting on the Chiefs defeat where it appeared as his side were knocked out by an off-side goal, the Downs boss added: "It was not our best game.

"We should have done better, we can do better. But let's not penalise ourselves too much. I don't think we get more energy out of a loss [but] I think we should have started stronger against Amakhosi."