St Eloi Lupopo Land First Blow on Orlando Pirates in Battle for CAF Champions League Survival

Congolese side St Eloi Lupopo have been feeling the heat since their CAF Champions League match against Orlando Pirates but they are the ones celebrating now.

Lupopo eliminated Pirates from the competition at the second preliminary round in what was an ill-tempered match but after the game, the South African giants filed a complaint, questioning the eligibility of their coach and two players.

Pirates claimed coach Guy Bukasa was not supposed to be in the dugout, having been suspended by CAF, following a brawl during an Under-20 AFCON match against South Africa and also alleged that player Henoc Molia was registered outside the transfer window period while Ramos Khashala Wanet allegedly holds two passports.

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The Congolese side have been waiting for a verdict from CAF although they were included in the Champions League group stage draw and now, Lupopo says they have won the first battle.

"CAF rules in favour of FC St Lupopo against Orlando Pirates FC. Saint Lupopo Football Club has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)," Lupopo stated as quoted by South African outlet KickOff.

"This one has dismissed the complaint from South Africans team Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of players Molia and Kashala, who are regularly registered. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also clarified that coach Guy Bukasa's presence on the bench during the game cannot be subject to a sanction against Saint Eloi Lupopo Football Club.”

Pirates have also been sanctioned with a fine for denying the Lupopo contingent accreditations and also spraying chemicals in the Congolese team’s dressing room.

"However, the Disciplinary Jury has confirmed coach Guy Bukasa Misakabu's six-match suspension in the U-20 case, along with a fine,” the club added.

“In other words, following our club's complaint against Orlando Pirates, CAF has imposed financial sanctions on the South African club. $5,000 (Ksh650,000) to deprive FC Saint Eloi Lupopo of the necessary accreditations. $20,000 (Ksh2.6 million) for spraying chemicals in our team's locker room.

"This decision comforts the victory achieved on the field and strengthens our club's position in the competition. FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo will continue to defend its interests with the greatest determination."

Lupopo are in a tough Champions League group against Sudan’s Al-Hilal, MC Alger of Algeria and Mamelodi Sundowns and will begin their campaign this weekend against the South African champions.