Mamelodi Sundowns opened their CAF Champions League group stage with a
convincing 3-1 victory over Saint-Éloi Lupopo at a buzzing Loftus Versfeld
Stadium on Saturday.
The Brazilians, eager to move past the disappointment of last season’s final
loss, started strongly. They were rewarded early when Nuno Santos latched
onto a superb pass from Reisinho and finished with a clinical volley to give
the hosts a perfect start.
Despite dominating possession and creating further chances, including a
Tashreeq Matthews header that rattled the crossbar, Sundowns were pegged
back just before halftime. Ramo Wanet managed to get ahead of Khuliso Mudau
to turn in a cross and stun the home crowd with an equalizer.
Unshaken, Miguel Cardoso’s side continued to control the game after the
break. Their persistence paid off on the hour mark when Marcelo Allende
found space in the box and fired into the bottom corner to restore Sundowns’
lead. After a period of heightened tensions and scuffles, the hosts sealed
the victory 13 minutes from time. Substitute Arthur Sales delivered a
precise cross for Nuno Santos, who powered in a header to complete his brace
and secure the three points.
The win sees Sundowns sit at the top of Group C after the first round of
matches.
Confirmed Lineups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Cupido, Reisinho, Modiba, Kekana,
Mokoena, Santos, Allende, Rayners, Matthews.
Subs: Pieterse, Adams, Lebusa, Sales, Mkhulise, Morena, Johannes, Maseko,
Ntsabeleng.
Saint-Éloi Lupopo: Medjo, Wala, Mendy, Katumbwe, Mbele, Twite, Miche,
Kambou, Lihozasia, Djos, Wanet.
