CAF hits Lupopo star Mukoko with two-match ban

Dieumerci Mukoko Amale, the controversial right-back for FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, will be confined to the stands for the highly anticipated CAF Champions League group stage opener against Mamelodi Sundowns this Saturday.

Despite travelling with the Congolese side for the Group C fixture, CAF has confirmed a two-match suspension for the defender, stemming from his conduct during Lupopo’s dramatic qualification battle against Orlando Pirates last month.

The Infamous Pirates Showdown

Mukoko became a focal point—for all the wrong reasons—during the volatile preliminary-round clash against the Buccaneers at Orlando Stadium.

Lupopo ultimately secured their place in the group stage after a hard-fought tie. Though they lost the second leg 3-0, their identical 3-0 victory in the first leg meant the aggregate score was tied at 3-3, allowing the Congolese team to advance after a tense penalty shootout.

That second leg, however, was marred by dramatic incidents and volatile behaviour.

Mukoko was at the heart of the controversy, with his actions including an attempted headbutt on Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela and a deliberate stomp on the heel of Oswin Appollis. His provocative, animated celebrations directed at the Pirates bench after winning duels were also flagged as unsporting conduct.

In one of the match’s most theatrical moments, Mukoko dramatically exaggerated a fall after a minor shove from Pirates’ Tshepang Moremi, rolling on the turf while clutching his face, an action that drew widespread criticism.

CAF Takes Action After Review

While the defender, wearing jersey number 36, escaped punishment during the match itself, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed the footage and subsequently handed down the ban.

In an official circular, the continental body confirmed that the melodramatic defender has been suspended for two CAF club competition matches for “assault and unsporting behaviour against an opponent [Appollis], in accordance with Articles 11 and 123 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.”

The suspension immediately rules Mukoko out of the crucial fixture against Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. He will also miss Lupopo’s subsequent group stage match against Al Hilal SC next weekend.

Lupopo must now make immediate tactical adjustments for their opening group fixture without one of their most significant (and controversial) defensive players.