Santos brace helps Sundowns see off Railmen

Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the top of Group C in the CAF Champions League after they beat Saint-Eloi Lupopo 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, November 22.

Nuno Santos was the star of the show after scoring a goal in each half, while also turning provider for Marcelo Allende as Miguel Cardoso's side put three points on the board to go above Al Hilal on goal difference.

Wanet Kashala had briefly restored parity for the Railmen, but they eventually succumbed to the pressure in the second half and weren't able to get back into the contest.

Bafana ba Style were hoping to make a better start than last season when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Maniema Union at the same venue in their group opener.

And the signs were looking promising after Santos broke the deadlock just five minutes in following a fine pass from Miguel Reisinho to pick him out inside the box.

The hosts threatened again on 12 minutes as Iqraam Rayners turned his defender and found Tashreeq Matthews, who failed to keep his shot down.

Matthews was then denied by the crossbar in the 26th minute after getting his head to Reisinho's cross and luck seemed to favour the Railmen once more when they equalised through Kashala just before halftime following a mistake from Ronwen Williams at his near post.

However, Sundowns came out with renewed purpose in the second half and took only 16 minutes to restore their lead, with Allende firing home from the end of the area after being set up by Santos.

The Portuguese was having an excellent game and he added a second goal to his assist on 77 minutes after meeting Matthews' cross to steer a header past Simon Omossola.

Santos almost completed his hat-trick six minutes from time following more good work from Matthews on the flank to find him inside the box, but his shot sailed over the bar.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 3 (Santos 5', 77', Allende 61')

Saint-Eloi Lupopo (1) 1 (Kashala 44')

Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams, K. Mudau (T. Maseko 82'), G. Kekana (J. Adams 90'), K. Cupido, A. Modiba, M. Allende, T. Mokoena, I. Rayners (S. Mkhulise 82'), M. Reisinho (A. Sales 62'), T. Matthews (K. Johannes 90'), N. Santos.

Saint-Eloi Lupopo: S. Omossola, L. Twite (T. Mutuila 75'), I. Mpeko, K. Mokonzi, J. Mendy, M. Kimputu, M. Mika (B. Amongo 89'), D. Kambou, J. Mavungu (J. Tukumbane 76'), H. Molia, W. Kashala (R. Djoumekou 89').