Mamelodi Sundowns will continue their quest to win their second CAF Champions League on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld. They are targeting a victory at home as they begin their group stage campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo side, St Eloi Lupopo.
To qualify for these group stages, Masandawana faced Nigerian side Remo Stars, whom they outclassed in a 7-1 victory in a two-legged second preliminary round fixture. Beginning this group stage this weekend, they will look to continue with their momentum and take their first group stage victory at home.
Meanwhile, the Lubumbashi-based side had to go through two preliminary rounds of four fixtures to find themselves in the group stages. They played to a 1-0 on aggregate in the first preliminary round and almost slipped up in the second round when the game had to go down to penalties, which they won 5-4.
Looking ahead to the opener, coach Miguel Cardoso said winning in their backyard in their opening match will be important for his team.
“We felt a lot of excitement throughout the week and a lot of commitment towards the proposals that we did. We also think it is important to not only start the match but continue throughout the entire match and achieve the result that might be comfortable towards the three points that we want to gather.”
“What is important is that we win the group stages, and to win the group stages, we need to win the first match, which is the most important of our lives. And that is how we will need to face the match – playing the first one to win it,” the coach stated.
“We remember very well what happened last year in the first game of the group stages when we were unable to beat Maniema Union at home. So, we want to make a good start and a good start is with the whistle of the referee and the players that are available, and can start a match that will be strong and pursue the result that we want,” he continued.
Having beaten one of last season’s CAFCL semifinalists to advance to the group stages, Lupopo is not a side to look down upon, according to coach Miguel. The Portuguese tactician said his side is expecting a tough opponent in Lupopo and further admitted that emotions will be high on the day. He, however, hopes his side controls the emotions on the pitch.
“We always make a big effort to make sure players understand that if you have any emotions that are not proper to play a football match, you must leave them in the locker room. Whatever happens on the pitch will always be managed emotionally in the right way from the players,” he concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns will clash with St Eloi Lupopo in a highly anticipated CAFCL match on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off is scheduled for 15H00, live on SABC Sports and SuperSport TV.
