Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for their CAF Champions League group stage opener against FC Saint Eloi Lupopo this weekend. But Lupopo are no strangers to South African soil, having faced local clubs multiple times in the past.
Lupopo's History Against SA Teams
St Eloi Lupopo from the Democratic Republic of Congo have a history with South African teams in continental competitions. They've visited SA five times before, even winning the Vodacom Challenge back in 2002, defeating Kaizer Chiefs in the final. However, they have lost all five of their African club competition matches played in South Africa.
- 2005 Champions League: Faced SuperSport United, losing on penalties.
- 2012 Confederation Cup: Lost to Black Leopards on aggregate.
- 2022-23 Confederation Cup: Lost both matches against Marumo Gallants.
- Confederation Cup: Knocked out by Sekhukhune United.
Despite these past results, Lupopo recently surprised many by eliminating Orlando Pirates in the Champions League preliminary round.
Sundowns' Approach
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is aware of Lupopo's potential gamesmanship and is urging his team to stay focused. He acknowledges their quality and the advantage they have playing at home due to conditions and pitches. Cardoso emphasized the importance of winning the first match to secure a strong position in the group stages. Midfielder Marcelo Allende expressed the team's determination to start strong, learning from their slow start in the previous season.
“It’s important that we win the group stages and to win the group stages we must win the first match,” says Cardoso.
Can Sundowns overcome Lupopo's tricks and secure a crucial home victory? The match promises to be a tough test for the Brazilians as they aim for CAF Champions League glory.