Mamelodi Sundowns began their CAF Champions League group stage campaign on a high note, beating Congolese side Saint-Eloi Lupopo 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos was the hero of the match, scoring two goals, including a header in the second half that sealed the win for the Brazilians.
The match started brightly for Sundowns, and in the fifth minute of the game, Miguel Reisinho delivered a precise long pass to Santos, who scored with a right-footed hook from the center of the box.
Sundowns continued to dominate the game, with Iqraam Rayners and Reisinho both having chances to increase the lead, but unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on them.
Just before halftime, Lupopo equalized through Kashala Ramos’ right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box, and the first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, Sundowns started strongly, creating many scoring opportunities, and their hard work paid off in the 60th minute when Chilean midfielder Marcello Allende scored a well-taken goal with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Santos.
Santos sealed the win for Sundowns with his second goal of the match, a header that gave the Brazilians a 3-1 lead.
Despite continued pressure from Sundowns, Lupopo failed to trouble Ronwen Williams’ goal again, and the Brazilians held on to claim a well-deserved victory.
With this win, Sundowns now lead Group C with three points, level with Al Hilal, who defeated MC Alger 2-1 on Friday.
Lupopo, on the other hand, sit at the bottom of the log and will look to bounce back when they host Al Hilal on 28 November.
Sundowns will travel to Algeria to face Rulani Mokwena’s club, MC Alger, in their next group stage match on Friday as well.
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