The win was largely thanks to their foreign players, who controlled possession and created numerous chances, fully deserving the victory with relative ease.

Sundowns’ opening goal came within five minutes through a Portuguese combination play. Miguel Reisinho delivered a superb long ball into the penalty area, and Nuno Santos timed his run perfectly to volley the ball into the net for his first goal with the Brazilians.

It was a brilliant assist and a skillful finish from Santos, showcasing the quality Sundowns sought when signing these two players.

Lupopo had barely threatened all match but managed to equalize just before halftime. Keanu Cupido allowed a cross from the right flank, and Wanet Kashala directed the ball towards goal, with the home goalkeeper Ronwen Williams unable to stop it.

It was a harsh blow for the hosts, who had dominated every aspect of the game but conceded the first time their defense was truly tested.

Sundowns’ South American flair shone again as they retook the lead around the 60th minute. Both Santos and Reisinho contributed to the buildup before Chilean Marcelo Allende fired a precise shot from the edge of the box that nestled into the right corner of the net.

This marked his first Champions League goal since scoring in Sundowns’ memorable 5-2 victory over Al Ahly in March 2023.

Sundowns have invested heavily in their foreign players, and their quality is now beginning to show.

Homegrown Tashreeq Matthews found space on the left side and delivered a pass inside the box to Brazilian Arthur Sales. Sales then turned and sent an excellent cross to the edge of the six-yard box, where Santos met it with a perfect header that beat goalkeeper Simon Omossola.

These are Santos’ first goals since he scored in the Portuguese top division for Vitoria Guimarães against Arouca in January.

Sundowns will next travel to Algeria for a Champions League match against MC Alger where they will face former coach Rulani Mokwena, now leading the North African club.

MC Alger lost their opening group match away to Sudanese side Al Hilal in neutral Rwanda and will be eager to win as two rounds of the Champions League are played before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, after which teams will not return to action until late January. Securing two wins before the break would be a major boost for Sundowns.