FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo Coach Yassine Salmi Shares Fresh Insights on Mamelodi Sundowns
- FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo’s assistant coach, Yassine Salmi, has opened up a new perspective about Mamelodi Sundowns
- The Brazilians claimed a resounding 3-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo side in Pretoria over the weekend
- Salmi's submission about the Premier Soccer League giants sparked different reactions from fans on social media
FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo’s assistant coach, Yassine Salmi, shared a new take on Mamelodi Sundowns following their CAF Champions League group-stage encounter on Saturday, November 22, 2025, describing the Premier Soccer League giants as “half Brazilian, half European” in style. Sundowns dominated Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, securing a deserved 3‑1 victory.
Source: Twitter
Lupopo had previously made headlines in South Africa by surprising Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round of the Champions League, exiting the country with pride and a place in the group stage. This time, however, they left Pretoria dejected, unable to replicate their heroism against the Sea Robbers.
Nuno Santos scored twice, while Marcelo Allende added a second-half goal, securing a convincing win for Sundowns in their Group C opener.
Salmi hails Sundowns after Lupopo's defeat
Salmi emphasised the quality of Sundowns’ squad, noting that the team is “about 50% Brazilian and 50% European.” He described Sundowns as a special club, adding that, having observed many teams in Belgium, he sees no difference between Sundowns and European clubs.
He stressed that Sundowns are very difficult to play against and that any team facing them must be cautious, given the club’s unique blend of Brazilian and European styles.
However, Salmi acknowledged that his team’s main weakness was a lack of efficiency and a cutting-edge. He said they had missed opportunities and needed to improve, noting that it is very difficult to score an equaliser against Sundowns due to their strong bench.
Reflecting on the second half of the game, Salmi mentioned that they needed to approach the match differently, as repeating the first-half strategy would not suffice. He also looked ahead to how things would unfold in Lubumbashi.
Meanwhile, Sundowns moved to the top of their group, with Al Hilal—who defeated MC Alger under Mokwena—dropping to second place in Group C.
Source: Twitter
Here is what fans are saying about Salmi's comments on Mamelodi Sundowns' squad on social media.
Sakhiwo Faku wrote:
"That's what amazed Arsene Wenger about Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025."
Lame Marks Ithuteng said:
"If it were my team, they were going to display pure southern football. Because my team, if they score one now, it will be showboating time to impress fans and media.😁😁"
SoSinalo NoUnathi shared:
"That's why none of their players were acting wild like Mukoko did; there were no chemicals."
Elliot Ngobeni commented:
"He never watched Brazil...he is wrong...Maybe Portugal style as they have a Portuguese coach and players."
Abel Abel reacted:
"Sundowns doesn't have a dribbling wizard like Brazil, yes they can attack using wings, that's South African football style, European style it's when they pass each other at the back with 30 passes but failing to pass the centre line."
Elvis Chuene added:
"I'm still not convinced by the recent Sundowns' performance. We need to do a reality check, Sundowns is not strong, only individual performance and fighting spirit are the reasons they don't lose. I'm a supporter of this team, but the truth must be told. Cardoso's last throw of the dice is Caf Champions League; if he fails, then he will face the music."
Cardoso on Sundowns' dream of winning CAFCL
Briefly News also reported that Miguel Cardoso shared his thoughts on Mamelodi Sundowns' obsession tag to winning the CAF Champions League.
The Portuguese coach made the comments ahead of the Brazilians' clash with Lupopo.
Source: Briefly News
