Bukasa dismisses Saint-Éloi Lupopo defensive concerns

FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has addressed concerns about the Democratic Republic of the Congo team’s defensive lapses.

Such concerns have surfaced as the Linafoot Ligue 1 champions prepare to face tough CD Don Bosco at the Frédéric Kibasa Maliba Stadium on Sunday.

Ahead of the match, Bukasa, as quoted by FootRDC, has called for humility and commitment when facing Don Bosco, while downplaying the defensive frailties.

“We mustn’t make a drama out of it. Teams score and concede,” the youthful mentor said.

“I don’t know a single team that goes a whole season without conceding a goal. I have the impression that when you cash in, it becomes a matter of state.

“Before, we didn’t score much and we didn’t concede at all, now we decided to go forward. It’s clear that there are spaces.”

The coach added: “We fight to score more than the opponent. For me, as soon as we score one more goal than the opponent, I’m satisfied. It is up to us to show a lot of humility and a great determination to overcome this team and win the three points.”

Can Mukoko ease Lupopo’s defensive issues?

Bukasa’s defensive issues should ease with the return to training of star right-back Dieumerci Mukoko after a month on the sidelines due to an illness.

The Congolese champions sit in third place in the Linafoot Ligue 1 table for stream A, three points behind leaders TP Mazembe. Don Bosco occupy fourth position, just three points behind Lupopo.

Lupopo hope to cover ground in the domestic league before they switch to the CAF Champions League action in January.

The Congolese giants will face Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger in back-to-back games before taking on Mamelodi Sundowns in February.

The DRC team came to the limelight after booting out fancied Orlando Pirates in the Champions League second preliminary round matches played in October.