CAFCL: Kambou: ‘Lupopo can beat Sundowns’

FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo star Dramane Kambou has not minced words ahead of Sunday’s home meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.

On Saturday, the midfielder delivered a warning to the South African top-flight league outfit ahead of the Group C contest of the CAF Champions League in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kambou, as quoted on Lupopo social media platform, stressed that beating Sundowns is not an issue for Lupopo, especially that they are playing at home.

The Burkinabe international added that for that to happen, they need the entire Congolese football family to unite and create an intimidating atmosphere for the Betway Premiership serial champions.

“We can beat Mamelodi Sundowns by relying on our exceptional audience. We know the strength of that audience. We are at home..We are confident and the main thing is the three points,” he stated..

Taking his turn using the same media platform, Lupopo’s assistant coach Karim Hendou echoed similar sentiments, though a little bit measured.

“At home, we remain unbeaten in this competition. After our initial draw against Al Hilal, we proved our character by beating Mouloudia. [MC Alger]. From now on, it must be linked with a victory against Sundowns to turn this feat into a real qualification chance,” he said.

Why Sundowns should be wary of Lupopo

Miguel Cardoso and his men should be wary of the home record of the Linafoot Ligue 1 champions especially against South African opposition.

Guy Bukasa’s men stunned Orlando Pirates 3-0 in the Champions League final qualifying round first-leg in Lubumbashi. Only to lose by a similar margin in the reverse fixture at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The DRC club eventually shrugged off the Buccaneers on post-match penalties to sneak their way through to the group-stage.

The only frailty for Lupopo had been on the road in the group’s campaign. They lost 3-1 to Sundowns in Pretoria and 2-0 to MC Alger in Algeria last week, days after edging Rulani Mokwena’s team 1-0 in the DRC.

The worst home result for the Lubumbashi-based side in this Champions League campaign has been a one-all draw against Al-Hilal Omdurman.

Lupopo occupy bottom place of the group with four points, one behind Sundowns and four points adrift from leaders Al Hilal.