Lupopo Coach: ‘Sundowns Play Like a European Club with Brazilian Flair’

‘They Look Like a European Side’: Lupopo Coach in Awe as Sundowns Sweep to CAFCL Opening Win

Mamelodi Sundowns’ commanding start to the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage has once again fuelled comparisons with Europe’s elite, this time from FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo assistant coach Yassine Salmi. After watching his side fall 3–1 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, the Belgian-based tactician delivered one of the most glowing reviews yet of the PSL champions’ evolution under Miguel Cardoso.

Sundowns were in full control from start to finish, blending flair, technique and relentlessness in a performance that showcased the depth and tactical clarity that carried them to last season’s final. New Portuguese signing Nuno Santos struck twice, Marcelo Allende added a polished second-half finish, and the Brazilians never once looked like a side easing their way into continental competition.

Salmi, speaking after the match, struggled to hide his admiration.
“I don’t see a difference between Sundowns and teams in Europe,” he said. “They look 50% Brazilian, 50% European. It is very difficult to play against a team with this level of quality. Any CAF team coming up against Sundowns has to pay attention — it is a big club.”

Lupopo, who stunned Orlando Pirates during their last visit to South Africa, arrived in Pretoria with confidence. But at Loftus, they were met with a side operating several levels above anything they encountered in the preliminary rounds.

Portuguese midfield duo Santos and Miguel Reisinho were at the heart of Sundowns’ dominance, combining for the opener when Reisinho threaded a defence-splitting ball that Santos swept home. Lupopo briefly clawed themselves level through Wanet Kashala just before the interval, but even that moment of hope felt temporary.

After the restart, Sundowns re-established control. Santos turned provider for Allende, who calmly restored the lead, before Arthur Sales delivered an inviting cross for the Portuguese playmaker to head home his second and Sundowns’ third.

Salmi admitted his side were outmatched but insisted their biggest failure was inefficiency.
“We missed chances, and against Sundowns that is deadly,” he said. “They have a strong bench and maintain the same intensity for 90 minutes. It becomes nearly impossible to chase an equaliser.”

He added that Lupopo will need a fresh approach for the return leg in Lubumbashi.
“If we play the same way, the job is done. We must be different at home.”

The victory sends Sundowns straight to the top of Group C, while Al-Hilal — surprise winners over Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger — drop into second place. Cardoso’s men now prepare for a tough North African away trip against MC Alger on November 28, while Lupopo will regroup ahead of hosting Al-Hilal.