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.

FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Security Tightened Ahead of CAFCL Clash

The CAF Champions League group-stage encounter between FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo and Mamelodi Sundowns is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched fixtures in Group C, prompting heightened security measures in Lubumbashi. With qualification hopes still alive for both sides, Lupopo are determined to ensure the match is played in a controlled and safe environment.

The Congolese giants have made it clear that crowd management and ticket verification will be strictly enforced, reflecting lessons learned from previous high-profile continental fixtures. The decision to employ a private security firm underscores the seriousness with which the club is approaching the tie.

Why Lupopo Are Enforcing Strict Ticketing Rules

Lupopo’s firm stance against free entry is aimed at preventing overcrowding and maintaining order inside the TP Mazembe Stadium. By handing full control of gate access to an independent security company, the club hopes to eliminate confusion and ensure only ticket-holding supporters gain entry.

Such measures are increasingly common in CAF competitions, especially for matches involving high-profile opponents like Mamelodi Sundowns, whose continental pedigree attracts massive interest. The club’s message to supporters is clear: compliance with ticketing rules is non-negotiable.

TP Mazembe Stadium a Fortress for Lupopo

The TP Mazembe Stadium has become a venue where Lupopo often rise to the occasion in continental competition. Their emphatic 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates during the Champions League qualifiers remains fresh in the memory, reinforcing belief that home advantage could once again play a decisive role.

Although Pirates later overturned the deficit in South Africa, Lupopo’s composure in the penalty shootout highlighted their mental strength on the continental stage. That resilience will be crucial against a Sundowns side renowned for tactical discipline and ball control.

Group C Stakes Ahead of Matchday

Both Lupopo and Mamelodi Sundowns enter the fixture level on four points, making the clash pivotal in shaping the group standings. A victory could significantly boost either side’s chances of advancing to the knockout rounds, while defeat would complicate qualification hopes.

Lupopo are seeking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat away to MC Alger, a result that exposed the fine margins at this level. Sundowns, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after their narrow loss to Al Hilal Omdurman.

Tactical Battle Between Bukasa and Cardoso

The encounter also promises an intriguing tactical duel between Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa and Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso. Bukasa’s side rely heavily on intensity and home support, while Sundowns are known for patient build-up play and technical superiority.

Managing emotions, crowd energy, and match tempo will be just as important as tactical execution on the pitch.

A Crucial Night for CAF Champions League Ambitions

As kickoff approaches, anticipation continues to build in Lubumbashi. The tightened security measures, early ticket sales, and clear communication from Lupopo all signal the importance of the occasion.

For supporters, it is a reminder that continental football demands discipline both on and off the field. For the teams, it is a chance to assert dominance in Group C and take a major step toward the CAF Champions League knockout stages.