CAFCL: Lupopo star injured ahead of Al Hilal meeting

The Democratic Republic of the Congo giants FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo have an injury setback ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League (CAFCL) meeting with Al Hilal Omdurman in Rwanda on Saturday.

The Linafoot Ligue 1 champions hoped to play against the Sudanese opponents at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali with a full match fit squad. Afterall, the Group C match is a must-win for theCongolese team which anchors the group.

🎥 Immersion totale : Les coulisses du voyage ! ✈️🌍
Suivez l’ambiance au sein du groupe, de l’embarquement à Lubumbashi à l’escale en Éthiopie, jusqu’à l’arrivée à Kigali 🇷🇼. 🛡️ Nos Cheminots sont concentrés et déterminés à tout donner ! 🔥
🛑 Prochaine étape : Al Hilal !… pic.twitter.com/FQ9PxI95M5

— FC Saint Eloi Lupopo (@fcsteloilupopo) February 12, 2026

However, Lupopo announced in a statement on their official Facebook page that they have travelled to the Rwanda capital without left-back Michael Kimputu.

How Lupopo against Sundowns resulted in Kimputu’s injury

The star defender picked an injury during the one-all draw with Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday. He faces weeks on the sidelines, according to the statement.

“We confirm the absence of our left-back Kimputu. Injured during the last encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns, he remained in Lubumbashi for further treatment with the medical staff. The entire club wishes him a speedy recovery,” reads the statement.

Just how important is Kimputu to Lupopo?

Kimputu, whose goal from the penalty handed Guy Bukasa’s a home 1-0 victory over MC Alger the previous week has often proved effective in both boxes—in defence and upfront.

#TotalEnergiesCAFCL
📋 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓
Mission Commando à Kigali ! 🇷🇼⚽

Nos 22 Cheminots ont pris leurs quartiers en plein Kigali pour le choc décisif face à Al Hilal. Une seule mission : la qualification pour les quarts de finale !

🏥 Point Infirmerie : Nous confirmons… pic.twitter.com/RkjOc42c1r

— FC Saint Eloi Lupopo (@fcsteloilupopo) February 11, 2026

The defender, who has made nine Champions League appearances in this campaign, was also on target when Lupopo thrashed Orlando Pirates 3-0 in the final qualifying round of the continental league.

The full-back has joined the growing list of injured players for the blue and yellow including Jonathan Mokonzi who broke his leg in the reverse fixture against MC Alger.

Right-back Dieumerci Mukoko is also yet to regain full-match fitness after returning to training recently following a lengthy spell due to an illness.

Al Hilal will host Lupopo while needing just a draw to seal their quarterfinal berth. The Congolese side drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in the first leg.

Third-placed MC Alger, who trail Al Hilal by a point, face Sundowns on Saturday in Pretoria. A draw might not be enough for either side to advance to the next stage of the competition.