Miguel Cardoso defends Lucas Suarez after Kaizer Chiefs defeat

The Brazilians were left to lick their wounds as Chiefs pulled off a shock last-gasp 2-1 victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, bringing an abrupt end to their dominance over the Soweto side.

After claiming the man of the match accolade, Duba told SABC Sport in his post-match interview that part of Amakhosi’s game plan was waiting on the Argentine centre-back to err, which indeed led to the 20-year-old's equaliser, but Cardoso quickly shielded his player.

"I don't see things like that – we come from a high level match on Wednesday, wherein Lucas made a wonderful performance, as you know, he was lined up on the CAF Champions League team of the week," said Cardoso.

"So I think it's not fair [to blame him] – even today he made one mistake, but he made a normal game, he coped with the speed, and tell me one shot on goal coming from play that was structured from Chiefs, I don't remember any but maybe you do. 

"I just ask you to be fair with the players, myself, with the team, the squad and the club, and analyse things as they are – it's your job to do it, but just pick the result, look how it came, and don't punish a player that doesn't deserve it.

"Obviously he has already enough weight to carry on his shoulders, he doesn't need to receive [more] from you because the boy is doing his job, and trying to do his best just as everybody else."

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