Sundowns diagnosed: I think the players are struggling...

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has echoed sentiments by head coach Miguel Cardoso that a key factor has been the main culprit behind a recent poor defensive record.

The Brazilians are set to host Moroccan giants AS FAR on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld (16:00) in what will be the first leg of a two-legged CAF Champions League final

Sundowns go into the match on the back of a shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy - a result that has dented their ambitions of becoming league champions.

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The Tshwane giants will also be concerned with an uncharacteristic defensive record of seven goals conceded in their last two league matches, having won 7-4 against Siwelele just days before the Galaxy match.

Speaking to media after the Galaxy loss, Cardoso claimed that his side’s congested fixture is ultimately what led to their defeat, sentiments that have been shared by Adams, who admitted that his teammates had been 'struggling' to finish recent matches.

"I got a rest because of the red card. I think the other players are struggling. You can see in the games, like close to the 90th minute, you can see the guys are struggling," Adams told journalists on Thursday, ahead of the CAF Champions League final first leg.

"But we are here to push. That's what Sundowns does; plays a lot of games maybe in one week. We are pushing.

"We just need to focus on ourselves and leave the rest behind us. For me, coming back into the team after the loss, I need to boost the guys and keep on pushing."

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Adams himself returns to eligibility after missing two of Sundowns' last matches due to suspension from a red card he received against Kaizer Chiefs.

The dynamic midfielder is likely to return to the starting line-up come Sunday.