Nuno Santos stars as Sundowns dispatch Lupopo in CAFCL

Santos shines as Sundowns beat Lupopo

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackPagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a 3-1 victory over FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in their CAF Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Masandawana made their intentions clear as they broke the deadlock five minutes after the first whistle, with playmaker Nuno Santos pouncing on a lobbed ball from compatriot Miguel Reisinho.

The home team had the chance to double the lead in the 19th minute after Iqraam Rayners was put through on goal by Aubrey Modiba but the prolific forward sent his shot wide off the target.

Reisinho was the architect yet again, with another delightful ball into the box, this time finding Tashreeq Matthews, whose header rattled the crossbar in the 28th minute.

The Democratic Republic of Congo outfit leveled matters on the stroke of halftime as striker Wanet Kashala beat Ronwen Williams at his near post.

Sundowns retained the lead in the 61st minute as Marcelo Allende unleashed a low drilled shot into the bottom corner after a quick play with Matthews and Santos in the box.

The Brazilians put the game beyond reasonable doubt, courtesy of Santos, who completed his brace after rising the highest to head Arthur Sales' cross into the back of the net in the 77th minute.

Miguel Cardoso' men took control of Group C as they ascended to the summit. Downs will return to continental action with a clash against Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger on Friday, 28 November, in Algiers.