Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso
The South African side struggled in front of a sparse crowd at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, despite facing record 12-time titleholders Ahly. The Egyptians had two goals disallowed for offside.
“It was sad that a beautiful stadium was almost empty when you have a Champions League semi-final,” the Portuguese tactician said to AFP.
“We were representing South Africa and supporters of all clubs should have been there to back us.”
Cardoso lamented the absence of the high-energy atmosphere typically seen in North African stadiums.
“When we play in Cairo there will be 75,000 fans cheering Ahly. This will give our opponents a tremendous boost.”
CAF regulations prevented Sundowns from continuing their free-entry policy for fans wearing the team’s colours, after violence erupted in the previous round against Tunisia’s Esperance.
Tickets for the semi-final were priced at 20 rand ($1), likely contributing to the low turnout. Easter travel and religious events also pulled many South Africans out of the cities.
Sundowns failed to register a single shot on target, and Cardoso faces a daunting second leg in Cairo on Friday.
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