Saint-Eloi Lupopo eye second South African scalp as Yassine Salmi plots Sundowns strategy

They are preparing for Saturday's CAF Champions League Group C clash at Loftus Versfeld after beating Orlando Pirates.

Lupopo shocked the continent when they eliminated Pirates in the preliminary rounds, a result Salmi says taught his squad how to handle pressure, adapt quickly, and remain disciplined against top-level opposition. As they now turn to face Sundowns, he insists that experience has transformed the team's mindset.

"That match against Pirates gave us confidence and clarity. We learned how to manage difficult moments, and we take that with us into this game," he said, speaking to CAF Online.

While head coach Guy Bukasa will be absent due to suspension, Salmi maintains that the team's preparation has been comprehensive and collective.

And he says the technical staff have worked to ensure that Lupopo maintain the same structure and unity that carried them through the early rounds, while stressing that they Lupopo will approach the match with purpose and a direct plan designed to exploit moments quickly - an approach that saw them unsettle Pirates.

"Sundowns are a strong team with a very clear style. We know them well. They like the ball, they want to control the tempo. But we are not here to watch them play," he said.

"We don't run after the ball without a plan. We act with intention. We did our homework, and we know how to engage them."

With Bukasa suspended, Salmi embraces the leadership responsibility but remains grounded in the collective strength of the squad.

"We are not tourists. We came to compete. The ambition is to get a result."

Having already stunned one South African powerhouse this season, Lupopo aim to prove their early success was no accident as they continue their Champions League journey.