CAF Champions League: Saint-Eloi Lupopo vs MC Alger match preview
Congolese outfit Saint Eloi Lupopo will take on Algerian football powerhouse MC Alger in a highly competitive CAF Champions League fixture on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The match, to be held at the Stade du TP Mazembe in DR Congo promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested encounter, with both teams seeking for maximum points, having struggled in their opening two group games.
Both teams enter the match without a single victory after two matches in Group C. The CAF’s elite club competition returns following the closure of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco, where Senegal emerged as the champions at the end of the tournament.
As the 2025-26 CAF Champions League Group C reaches a critical stage, Mamelodi Sundowns sit top of their group with five points, followed by Al Hilal, who also have five points, while MC Alger and Saint Eloi Lupoplo sit third and fourth spot with two points each.
St. Eloi Lupopo will approach the match with confidence, particularly playing on home soil where they traditionally draw strength from their passionate supporters.
The Congolese outfit has built a reputation for being disciplined, energetic, and tactically astute in continental competitions, often making life difficult for visiting teams.
Lupopo’s recent performances suggest a side growing in maturity and belief. Their ability to press aggressively, transition quickly from defense to attack, and remain compact off the ball has been a key feature of their game. The technical quality in midfield, coupled with pace out wide, gives them multiple attacking options, while their defensive structure has improved significantly in high-pressure matches.
The coaching staff will be hoping for a flying start, knowing that an early goal could unsettle MC Alger and tilt the momentum in their favor. Controlling the tempo and limiting defensive lapses will be crucial if Lupopo are to secure a positive result.
Meanwhile, MC Alger arrive for the fixture with a wealth of continental experience and a strong footballing pedigree. The Algerian giants are known for their tactical discipline, physical presence, and ability to manage games intelligently, especially away from home.
MC Alger’s strength lies in their balanced squad, blending seasoned professionals with exciting emerging talents. Their midfield often dictates play, using quick ball circulation and positional awareness to frustrate opponents, while their forward line is capable of capitalizing on even the smallest defensive mistakes.
Away fixtures in Central Africa are never easy, but MC Alger have historically shown resilience in hostile environments. Their game plan is likely to focus on defensive solidity, patience in possession, and exploiting counterattacking opportunities when Lupopo commit numbers forward.
The midfield battle could prove decisive, as both teams rely heavily on control in that area to launch attacks and protect their backline. Lupopo’s wide players versus MC Alger’s full-backs will also be an intriguing duel, with pace and tactical awareness expected to play a major role.
With qualification ambitions firmly in mind, this fixture carries significant weight for both clubs. A win for Lupopo would strengthen their position and boost confidence ahead of upcoming matches, while a positive result for MC Alger would underline their status as serious contenders and keep them firmly on course.
This match is expected to be a tight, physical, and tactically rich contest, with fine margins likely deciding the outcome. Lupopo will rely on home support and intensity, while MC Alger will look to draw on their experience and composure.
