JOHANNESBURG - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso on Sunday blamed poor pitch conditions for his African champions' 1-1 draw at Chippa United.
That result, on Saturday, came just a week out from their FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash with Saudi club Al Ahli.
And even a day later, the Portuguese coach was still furious about the game, which involved a late change in venue.
"You cannot play good football on that bumpy pitch," he told reporters, referring to Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City (formerly East London).
Originally scheduled for Gqeberha, another eastern coastal city, the Premiership match was switched after the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium pitch was declared "unsuitable".
The venue change meant that Sundowns, who had planned to fly back to Pretoria on Saturday evening, could only do so 24 hours later, affecting preparations for Al Ahli on September 19.
Rain before and during the league match cut up the pitch, adding to the difficulties for the players before a capacity 15,000 crowd.
Lowly Chippa, seeking a historic first win over Sundowns in 27 matches, led on 78 minutes through Sirgio Kammies only for Antonio van Wyk to equalise five minutes into added time.
Asian champions Ahli edged Auckland City to book a showdown with Sundowns. The winners face Mexican club Toluca or the South American champions in a semi-final.
European champions and Intercontinental Cup title-holders Paris Saint-Germain automatically qualify for the final.
FIFA have still to announce the dates and the venue that will host the Derby of the Americas, the semi-final and the final.
- AFP