CAF CL: Sundowns too good against Pirates’ slayers Lupopo

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CAF CL: Sundowns too good against Pirates’ slayers Lupopo
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Mamelodi Sundowns climbed to the summit of Group C in the CAF Champions League after a commanding 3-1 victory over Saint-Éloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Nuno Santos, who struck twice, and Marcelo Allende sealed the win for Miguel Cardoso’s side.

Cardoso made several changes from the team that faced TS Galaxy before the international break, recalling Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales and Reisinho to the starting lineup. The adjustments paid off almost immediately as Sundowns took control from the first whistle.

The even first half

The hosts opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Nuno Santos, who bagged his second goal of the season. The Portuguese attacker latched onto a superb diagonal pass from Reisinho and volleyed past Medjo to give Sundowns a deserved lead.

The Brazilians continued to dominate possession and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the half when Reisinho picked out Tashreeq Matthews in the box, but the winger’s header crashed against the crossbar.

Despite being pinned back for most of the half, Lupopo managed to find an equalizer just before the break. Ramo Wanet got ahead of Khuliso Mudau and turned home Michael Wala’s cross, silencing the Loftus crowd and sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.

Downs finish the job after the break

Sundowns resumed control after the restart and came close to regaining the lead early in the second half, only for Medjo to produce a fine save to deny Reisinho’s first-time effort.

The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark when a slick passing move ended with Marcelo Allende carving out space inside the box before firing low into the bottom corner to restore Sundowns’ advantage.

The closing stages saw tempers flare, with Lupopo’s Wanet involved in a couple of heated exchanges, but Sundowns kept their composure and sealed the win in the 77th minute. Substitute Arthur Sales delivered a pinpoint cross for Santos, who rose above his marker to head home his second goal of the day and make it 3-1.

The result sees Sundowns move top of Group C as they continue their quest for continental glory, while Lupopo face an uphill battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Line-ups

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams; Mudau, Cupido, Resinho, 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

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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