Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their CAF Champions League campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo in Match Round 1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The home side wasted no time asserting their dominance as Nuno Miguel Valente Santos found the back of the net in the 5th minute with a clinical finish, giving Mamelodi Sundowns an early 1-0 lead. Valente Santos continued his fine form just moments later, scoring his second goal of the match to double the advantage.
Despite the setback, Saint Eloi Lupopo showed resilience and managed to equalize just before halftime when W. Kashala capitalized on a defensive error to make it 1-1.
The second half saw Mamelodi Sundowns regain control of the match, with Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo scoring a sensational goal in the 61st minute to put his team back in front at 2-1. The goal injected renewed energy into the Sundowns’ attack, and they continued to press forward in search of more goals.
Their efforts paid off in the 77th minute when Valente Santos completed his hat-trick with a composed finish, sealing a well-deserved 3-1 victory for Mamelodi Sundowns.
The win puts Mamelodi Sundowns in a strong position in Group A of the CAF Champions League, showcasing their intent to make a deep run in the competition this season.
The atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld Stadium was electric, with fans cheering on their team and celebrating each goal with unbridled enthusiasm. The quality of football on display was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams, making for an entertaining and competitive match.
Mamelodi Sundowns will look to build on this victory in their upcoming fixtures, while Saint Eloi Lupopo will aim to bounce back from this defeat as they continue their Champions League campaign.
Overall, it was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of African club football, with Mamelodi Sundowns emerging as worthy victors on the day.
- Mamelodi Sundowns will play with MC Alger. November 28 at 19:00 (GMT), on Ali La Pointe Stadium.
- Saint Eloi Lupopo will play with Al Hilal Omdurman. November 30 at 13:00 (GMT), on Stade de la Victoire.
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Ronwen Hayden Williams (6.2)
- Khuliso Johnson Mudau (6.7)
- Gomolemo Grant Kekana (7.2)
- Keanu Grégory Cupido (7.3)
- Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (7)
- Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo (8.3)
- Teboho Mokoena (7.3)
- Miguel Reisinho (7.7)
- Nuno Miguel Valente Santos (9.5)
- Iqraam Rayners (6.2)
- Tashreeq Matthews (6.3)
Saint Eloi Lupopo
Substitutions:
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Miguel Reisinho (Arthur de Oliveira Sales, 62)
- Iqraam Rayners (Sphelele Mkhulise, 82)
- Khuliso Johnson Mudau (Thapelo Maseko, 82)
- Gomolemo Grant Kekana (Jayden Oswin Adams, 90)
- Tashreeq Matthews (Kegan Johannes, 90)
Saint Eloi Lupopo
- M. Mika (B. Amongo, 89)
- W. Kashala
Ball possession:
In a commanding display of dominance on the pitch, Mamelodi Sundowns asserted their authority with a staggering 81% ball possession against a resilient Saint Eloi Lupopo side who could only manage 19% possession in the encounter.
The home side, Mamelodi Sundowns, showcased their attacking prowess by unleashing a total of 19 shots towards the opposition’s goal, with 4 testing the Saint Eloi Lupopo goalkeeper. Nuno Miguel Valente Santos was the standout performer for Mamelodi Sundowns, leading the charge with a flurry of shots that kept the Lupopo defense on their toes throughout the match.
On the other end, Saint Eloi Lupopo managed to muster 9 shots on target, with 2 finding their target. Kindness Cole was the shining light for the visiting team, showcasing his clinical finishing ability with the most hits on goal for Lupopo.
Despite the valiant efforts of Saint Eloi Lupopo, it was Mamelodi Sundowns who emerged victorious, thanks to their relentless attacking intent and unwavering control of possession on the field.
This clash of contrasting possession and shooting statistics painted a vivid picture of Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance and Saint Eloi Lupopo’s resilience, culminating in a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for its stark display of attacking prowess and defensive fortitude.
Passes:
In a thrilling encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Saint Eloi Lupopo, the passing accuracy of the players shone through as a key factor in the match dynamics.
Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns displayed exceptional precision with a pass accuracy of 97%, showcasing his ability to dictate play and maintain possession for his team. With a total of 107 passes, Mokoena’s influence on the game was undeniable as he orchestrated the midfield with poise and finesse.
On the opposing side, Medjo Simon Loti Omossola of Saint Eloi Lupopo also contributed to the passing narrative, albeit with a lower accuracy rate of 66%. Omossola’s 21 passes may have had a lower accuracy percentage, but his efforts were crucial in linking up play and creating opportunities for his team.
Aubrey Maphosa Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns stood out with his playmaking abilities, delivering 4 key passes that unlocked the opposition’s defense and set up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Modiba’s vision and execution were instrumental in driving his team forward and breaking down Saint Eloi Lupopo’s defense.
Kindness Cole of Saint Eloi Lupopo also made an impact with 2 key passes, showcasing his ability to find gaps in the opposition’s defense and create chances for his teammates to capitalize on.
Overall, the match was a testament to the importance of passing accuracy and playmaking in modern football, with players like Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Medjo Simon Loti Omossola, and Kindness Cole showcasing their skills and contributing to an engaging and dynamic encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Saint Eloi Lupopo.
Defense:
Mamelodi Sundowns showcased a masterclass in defensive prowess as they outmaneuvered Saint Eloi Lupopo in a thrilling encounter that ended in a hard-fought draw. The clash was defined by a series of interception and block masterstrokes, with both teams showcasing their defensive mettle.
Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead in interceptions with a total of 8, with Aubrey Maphosa Modiba leading the charge with 2 crucial interceptions. The Sundowns’ defensive line proved to be a formidable force, snuffing out Lupopo’s attacking threats with precision and finesse.
On the Lupopo side, Dramane Kambou stood out with 4 interceptions, leading their team’s defensive efforts with resilience and tenacity. Lupopo’s defensive unit stood strong against the Sundowns’ relentless attacks, showcasing their determination to keep the opposition at bay.
In terms of blocks, Mamelodi Sundowns managed 1 key block, with Gomolemo Grant Kekana making a crucial intervention to deny Lupopo a scoring opportunity. The Sundowns’ backline remained resolute in the face of Lupopo’s attacking onslaught, showcasing their ability to thwart danger with well-timed blocks.
Saint Eloi Lupopo matched Mamelodi Sundowns’ defensive intensity with 8 blocks, with Junior Mendy leading the charge with 3 crucial blocks. Lupopo’s defensive resilience was on full display as they stood firm against the Sundowns’ attacking threats, showcasing their determination to keep their goal intact.
Overall, both teams displayed a commendable defensive performance, with interceptions and blocks playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the match. Mamelodi Sundowns’ defensive organization and Lupopo’s resolute defending made for a captivating encounter that highlighted the importance of defensive solidity in the beautiful game.
Face-to-face:
In a thrilling encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Saint Eloi Lupopo, the match was characterized by intense battles for possession, with two standout players leading the charge in face-to-face duels for the ball.
Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo of Mamelodi Sundowns and Djo Issama Mpeko of Saint Eloi Lupopo displayed immense determination and skill, engaging in 6 face-to-face fights for the ball each throughout the match. Their tenacity and commitment to winning possession were evident, setting the tone for a fiercely contested game.
The clash between these two talented players served as a microcosm of the overall competitive nature of the match, as both teams fought tooth and nail for control of the game. The relentless pursuit of the ball by Allende Bravo and Issama Mpeko showcased their unwavering focus and dedication to their respective teams’ success.
Ultimately, their efforts on the field contributed to a riveting spectacle for the fans in attendance, as the battle for supremacy raged on until the final whistle. While the match ended in a draw, the performance of Allende Bravo and Issama Mpeko will be remembered as a testament to their skill, determination, and competitive spirit.
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that the face-to-face duels for the ball between Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo and Djo Issama Mpeko had been a highlight of the match, showcasing the essence of football as a game of skill, strategy, and relentless pursuit of victory.
Fouls:
- Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 65 minute
- D. Kambou (Saint Eloi Lupopo) at 33 minute
- W. Kashala (Saint Eloi Lupopo) at 69 minute
Yellow cards:
The last five games (including this match):
- Mamelodi Sundowns – W
- Saint Eloi Lupopo – L
Top 5 CAF Champions League scorers:
- Nuno Miguel Valente Santos (2, Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Abdelrazig Yagoub Omer Taha (1, Al Hilal Omdurman)
- Kindness Cole (1, MC Alger)
- Marcelo Iván Allende Bravo (1, Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Mohamed Abdelrahman Yousif Yagoub (1, Al Hilal Omdurman)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Mamelodi Sundowns will play with MC Alger. November 28 at 19:00 (GMT), on Ali La Pointe Stadium.
- Saint Eloi Lupopo will play with Al Hilal Omdurman. November 30 at 13:00 (GMT), on Stade de la Victoire.
