Saint Eloi Lupopo are heading into their maiden CAF Champions League group stage appearance under growing pressure as concerns mount over their domestic form and a lingering off-field dispute. The Congolese side, drawn in a daunting Group C alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Hilal Omdurman, and MC Alger, are confronting significant hurdles just as the continental test draws near.
Their qualification journey, though impressive, has been overshadowed by inconsistency in local competition. Lupopo have failed to win their last two Ligue 1 matches, a run that includes a 1-1 draw with Sanga Balende which saw them drop to second place on the league table. The dip in form has raised questions about their readiness to face battle-hardened continental rivals.
Compounding the pressure is the impressive momentum of their next opponents. Mamelodi Sundowns, last season’s Champions League finalists, are in top form in the South African Premiership and continue to boast one of the most intimidating home records in the competition. Unbeaten in their last six home fixtures in Africa’s premier club tournament, Sundowns will present a formidable challenge for Lupopo.
Despite their current worries, Lupopo’s path to the group stage showcased resilience and ambition. They began by edging out Sudan’s Al-Merrikh with a narrow 1-0 home win followed by a disciplined away draw. This set up a dramatic showdown with Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round, producing one of the most memorable ties of the campaign.
Lupopo stunned the former champions with a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg in Lubumbashi. However, Pirates responded with an identical 3-0 scoreline in Johannesburg, forcing a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Lupopo held firm to win 5-4 and punch their ticket to the group stage.
The triumph was quickly clouded by controversy as Orlando Pirates lodged an official protest, alleging irregularities in Lupopo’s squad registration. Lupopo have strongly rejected the claims, calling them baseless and malicious. While CAF’s final ruling remains pending, the uncertainty continues to hover over their campaign.
Even with this distraction, the Blue Train are pressing ahead with preparations for what could be their toughest continental challenge yet. Their debut group stage journey will demand improved form, tactical discipline, and the mental strength to rise above off-field noise as they seek to make their mark in Africa’s top club competition.
