Mamelodi Sundowns secured a vital 3-1 victory against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in their CAF Champions League campaign at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, extending their unbeaten run to five games across all competitions. The win provides a solid start in a group containing strong contenders like MC Alger and Al Hilal, fueling Sundowns' ambitions to reach the final once again.
Nuno Santos continues to impress, justifying his signing and adding the 'X factor' the Brazilians craved. His brace against Lupopo was instrumental in securing the victory.
However, the performance wasn't entirely convincing, and fans have voiced their concerns. While celebrating the win, many believe there's room for improvement. Sphelele Mkhulise's impactful second-half appearance has led some to call for him to receive more playing time.
Fan Reactions: Praise and Demands
The victory sparked a range of reactions online. One fan, Masedi Lovez Sundowns, commented, "Good match, coach. The beauty about today’s win is that you won it the Mamelodi Sundowns way. If we continue with this kind of performance, we will be in the final again and even defend our league."
Concerns over Defence and Midfield Balance
However, some fans expressed concerns about the defensive pairing of Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido. Lonwabo Masiko stated, "Cupido and Kekana, I see no combination between the two of them; they must pull up their socks, otherwise they are going to cost us."
Another concern revolves around Marcelo Allende's fitness. One fan emphasized his importance, saying, "I pray Marcelo remains injury-free; without him, we'll lack balance. To appreciate our Chilean maestro's importance, you need..." (the original article cuts off here).
Despite the areas for improvement, the win provides a valuable platform for Sundowns to build on as they navigate their CAF Champions League journey. The team will need to address the concerns raised by fans and maintain their winning momentum to achieve their ultimate goal.