Lupopo dealt with major blow ahead of Sundowns clash

22.11.25 FT CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Saint-Eloi Lupopo

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Democratic Republic of Congo outfit FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo will be without the reliable services of Dieumerci Mukoko Amale ahead of their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The right-back has been slapped with a two-match suspension by CAF following his lack of sportsmanship in the second leg of the second preliminary round against Orlando Pirates last month.

Mukoko attempted to headbutt Bucs' Masindi Nemtajela, prompting a push from Tshepang Moremi, who was sent off along with the wrong Lupopo player in Christopher Sumbu.

As a result, the theatrical Congolese escaped a sending off and remained on the pitch, taunting the Pirates players and their technical team.

CAF committee has since reviewed the footage on the day and confirmed Mukoko's unsporting conduct and the match official's wrong sending off, which resulted in a suspension for the defender.

Mukoko will miss the group stage opener against Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday and subsequently the second match against Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

Related teams and leagues

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Saint-Eloi Lupopo

CAF Champions League