'We fell asleep," says Miguel Cardoso after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered shock MTN8 defeat to Arrows

Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns reacts during the 2026 MTN8 semi-final first leg match against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side allowed Golden Arrows to disrupt their rhythm before making another costly defensive mistake in their MTN8 semi-final first-leg defeat.

The Brazilians suffered a 1-0 loss at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, leaving them with a deficit to overturn in next weekend’s return leg in Umlazi.

Sundowns controlled large portions of the contest but struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut chances, while Junior Dion punished a lapse in their defensive organisation in the 38th minute.

Cardoso believes the flow of the match was also affected by an extended stoppage following an injury to the Arrows goalkeeper.