Saint-Eloi Lupopo defender Mukoko Amale suspended for two-games ahead of CAF Champions group phase

Congolese outfit Saint-Eloi Lupopo have been dealt with a massive blow ahead of the CAF Champions League group stage, with defender Dieumerci Mukoko Amale set to miss the sides opening two games due to suspension.

Mukoko Amale, considered as one of the outstanding players for the Congolese club exhibited an unsporting behaviour in the return leg of the second preliminary round clash against South African outfit, Orlando Pirates.

The defender attempted to head-butt Pirates player Masindi Nemtajela, prompting a push from Tshepang Moremi, who was sent off along with the wrong Lupopo player in Christopher Sumbu.

Following a thorough footage review, the disciplinary committee of the continental football governing body (CAF) has sanctioned the defender for unsporting conduct.

Mukoko will miss the group stage opener against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, November 22, before their second group game against Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman.

Saint-Eloi Lupopo triumphed over 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.