Mamelodi Sundowns defeated FC Saint Eloi Lupopo by a 3-1 margin during their CAF Champions League group phase opener at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Portuguese striker Nuno Santos netted twice while Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende contributed the decisive third strike for the Pretoria-based club. Kashala Ramos registered the lone response for the Congolese visitors, making their maiden group stage appearance.
The Brazilians seized control through Santos in the fourth minute before Lupopo equalized just before halftime through Ramos. Second-half dominance saw Allende restore the advantage before Santos completed his brace to secure maximum points for coach Miguel Cardoso's squad.
The victory maintains momentum for the South African champions, who entered the contest unbeaten across their previous four outings in domestic and continental competition.
The Brazilians seized control through Santos in the fourth minute before Lupopo equalized just before halftime through Ramos. Second-half dominance saw Allende restore the advantage before Santos completed his brace to secure maximum points for coach Miguel Cardoso's squad.
The victory maintains momentum for the South African champions, who entered the contest unbeaten across their previous four outings in domestic and continental competition.
