CAFCL: Lupopo step up security for Sundowns game

FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo have stepped up security in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of their CAF Champions League (CAFCL) group-stage meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

With the clock ticking towards the Group C game scheduled for TP Mazembe Stadium, the Linafoot Ligue 1 giants have announced security measures.

🚨𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄 :
FC St Eloi Lupopo 🆚 Mamelodi Sundowns – Dimanche 08 février 2026 à 15h00 au Stade TP Mazembe 🚨

Le FC Saint Eloi Lupopo informe le public que la billetterie pour le choc face aux Mamelodi Sundowns sera ouverte dès ce jeudi… pic.twitter.com/GQ7J3uo3CH

— FC Saint Eloi Lupopo (@fcsteloilupopo) February 4, 2026

In a statement, Lupopo issued a stern warning to fans wishing to witness the match against entertaining the idea of free entry.

The Lubumbashi-based giants have hired a private security firm to manage gates at the TP Mazembe home venue.

“For your convenience, the tickets are secured. Neither Lupopo personnel nor those for Mazembe will be in control. A private security firm will be in charge of the verification [of the fans at the gates],” reads the statement.

“Make sure to buy your ticket. No entry without a valid ticket.”

Match ticket selling points

Meanwhile, Lupopo opened advance ticket sales on Thursday at 2pm Central African Time. Selling outlets include Victory Stadium, Guest House Kango 2, TP Mazembe Stadium and Foye Kenya among others.

The game will kick off at 3pm Central African Time at a venue where the Linafoot giants beat Orlando Pirates 3-0 in the second qualifying round stage of the Champions League on October 19 2025.

A week later, the Buccaneers avenged with a victory over the Congolese opponents by a similar margin in South Africa. Lupopo eventually prevailed 5-4 on post-match penalties to qualify for the group-stage.

Both teams are seeking to bounce back from defeats in their last group-stage matches. Guy Bukasa’s charges suffered a 2-0 loss to MC Alger in Algeria on Sunday, a day after leaders Al Hilal Omdurman shrugged off Sundowns with a home 2-1 win.

Miguel Cardoso and Bukasa’s teams are tied on four points apiece.