Congolese outfit Saint-Eloi Lupopo risk losing CAF Champions League group stage spot

Congolese outfit Saint-Eloi Lupopo could be expelled from the CAF Champions League campaign despite securing qualification to the group stage.

Saint-Eloi Lupopo triumphed over South African giants Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round, earning them a slot in the next round of the CAF elite club competition this season.

The Congolese side secured a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg tie on home turf before Pirates produced a spirited comeback to cancel out the deficit in the return leg, forcing a tense penalty shootout that ended in disappointment for the South African giants.

But Saint-Eloi Lupopo’s group stage qualification has come under serious threat following the involvement of coach Guy Bokassa.

The gaffer is confirmed to have been banned from sitting on the bench in CAF Competitions, following a disciplinary sanction stemming from the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

However, the Soweto giants has officially filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the coach’s participation in the match.

Saint-Eloi Lupopo now risk losing their spot to the South African football heavyweights when found guilty. Meanwhile, the draw for the CAF Champions League group stages has been scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2025.