Full Match Report: Santos Shines as Mamelodi Sundowns Crush Lupopo in Champions League Opener
Mamelodi Sundowns 3–1 Saint-Éloi Lupopo
CAF Champions League – Group C, Matchday 1
Loftus Versfeld Stadium | 22 November 2025
Mamelodi Sundowns opened their CAF Champions League group campaign in emphatic style, overpowering DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo 3–1 in Pretoria in a match defined by dominance, patience, and explosive attacking combinations. Nuno Santos shone brightest with a brilliant brace, while Marcelo Allende added another as Masandawana controlled proceedings from start to finish.
Sundowns Start Fast, Lupopo Hang On
Miguel Cardoso’s side wasted no time stamping their authority. With just four minutes played, a slick inter-change between Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos tore open Lupopo’s back line. Santos struck with precision to make it 1–0, the early goal reflecting the 81% possession Sundowns would enjoy throughout the match.
Despite being pinned back for long stretches, Lupopo stayed in the contest through resilience and opportunism. Against the run of play, they found an equaliser just before halftime when Ramos Wanet finished a rare attacking move after being teed up by Lumande Carel Twite. At the break, Sundowns were left frustrated with a 1–1 scoreline despite near-total control.
Masandawana Step Up a Gear
The second half brought renewed urgency. Marcelo Allende—Sundowns’ midfield conductor—finally restored the lead on 61 minutes. Santos turned provider this time, squaring a perfectly weighted pass for the Chilean to fire home for 2–1.
Cardoso then turned to his bench, introducing Arthur Sales, whose presence added immediate verticality. Within minutes, the Brazilian created the moment that sealed the game. A superb run and cut-back from Sales in the 78th minute left Santos with the simplest finish, completing his brace and stretching the lead to 3–1.
Control, Composure and a Statement Win
Sundowns racked up 20 shots, completed waves of intricate attacking patterns, and limited Lupopo to scraps. While the Congolese side threatened sporadically—mainly through Wanet—the gulf in quality was unmistakable.
Defensively, Brendon Cupido and Grant Kekana marshalled the backline with authority, while Allende, Mokoena and Reisinho dominated midfield rhythm.
Standout Performers
Nuno Santos (10/10) – Two goals, one assist, constant threat.
Marcelo Allende (8.5/10) – Controlled the game and scored the crucial second.
Miguel Reisinho (7.7/10) – Dictated early tempo and registered an assist.
Arthur Sales (impact sub) – Game-changing involvement in the third goal.
What the Result Means
Sundowns kick off Group C with maximum points and a strong statement of intent. With their combinations beginning to gel—especially between Santos, Reisinho, and Allende—Cardoso’s men look primed for another deep continental run.
Final Score:
Mamelodi Sundowns 3–1 Saint-Éloi Lupopo
Goals: Santos (4’, 78’), Allende (61’) — Wanet (44’)
CAF Champions League – Group C Log (After Round 1)
Mamelodi Sundowns – 3 pts | +2
Al-Hilal – 3 pts | +1
MC Alger – 0 pts | –1
FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo – 0 pts | –2