CAFCL: Lupopo defender Mokonzi addresses MC Alger counterpart who broke his leg

Saint-Éloi Lupopo defender Jonathan Mokonzi has spoken out for the first time on the career-threatening injury he suffered during last Sunday’s CAF Champions League (CAFCL) match against MC Alger in Algeria.

The Congolese side confirmed that the centre-back broke his leg during the group-stage CAFCL game. A player for the Algerian outfit tackled the Lupopo opponent harshly resulting in the injury at the Stade Ali-la-Pointe in Algiers.

“Following a severe shock following an anti-game gesture during the encounter against MC Alger, extensive radiological examinations carried out in emergency revealed a closed fracture of both bones in the right leg (tibia and peronea),” reads part of the statement.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FC Saint Eloi Lupopo (@fcsainteloilupopo)

Mokonzi remained behind in Algiers to undergo an operation which effectively rules him out of the Champions League next assignment against Sundowns this weekend.

What Lupopo defender Mokonzi said following CAFCL injury

In a show of goodwill, some MC Alger players visited the 25-year-old at a hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday.

Reacting to the gesture via his official Facebook page, he wrote: “It’s a bit hard, but with God, I want to overcome this period. Thank you for your messages of support and wishes. And thank you for the visit, it goes straight to my heart.”

Encountering stubborn resistance from the visitors in a heated clash at the Stade Ali-la-Pointe in Algiers, MCA delivered an inspired second half performance for their first victory in Group C play. Goals from Marwane Khelif and Zakaria Naidji moved the hosts to within a point of second place Mamelodi Sundowns.

MC Alger occupy third place with four points from four games, and will host group leaders Al Hilal Omdurman. Lupopo remain in contention in a tight group and will need to refocus for their next clash, a duel at home with Sundowns at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.

Medical confirmation and severity of the injury

In an official club statement released shortly after the match, Saint-Éloi Lupopo provided details on the seriousness of the injury sustained by the 25-year-old defender.

“Following a severe shock following an anti-game gesture during the encounter against MC Alger, extensive radiological examinations carried out in emergency revealed a closed fracture of both bones in the right leg (tibia and peronea),” the statement read.

The diagnosis confirmed fears of a long-term layoff, with Mokonzi requiring immediate surgery. The defender remained behind in Algiers after the team’s return to the Democratic Republic of Congo, undergoing a successful operation on Monday.

As a result, Mokonzi has been ruled out of Lupopo’s upcoming CAF Champions League fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns, a crucial Group C clash scheduled for this weekend.

Mokonzi breaks silence after surgery

Despite the severity of the injury, Mokonzi showed resilience and gratitude when he finally addressed supporters through his official Facebook page. His message struck a tone of faith and determination as he begins a long road to recovery.

“It’s a bit hard, but with God, I want to overcome this period,” he wrote.
“Thank you for your messages of support and wishes. And thank you for the visit, it goes straight to my heart.”

The message was widely shared among Lupopo supporters and Congolese football fans, many of whom have rallied behind the defender with words of encouragement and prayers for a full recovery.

Gesture of sportsmanship from MC Alger players

In a positive moment amid the unfortunate incident, several MC Alger players visited Mokonzi at the hospital in Algiers following his surgery. The gesture was seen as a show of sportsmanship and solidarity, easing tensions after a match that had been fiercely contested and emotionally charged.

The visit was warmly received by both Lupopo officials and fans, who acknowledged the humane side of football despite the intensity of competition at Champions League level.

The Congolese centre-back now faces a lengthy recovery period after undergoing surgery in Algiers following the group-stage clash.

Medical Diagnosis: A Long Road to Recovery

The severity of the situation became clear immediately after the collision. Lupopo’s medical team acted swiftly, but the initial prognosis was grim. In an official club statement, the medical department detailed the extent of the damage:

“Following a severe shock following an anti-game gesture during the encounter against MC Alger, extensive radiological examinations carried out in emergency revealed a closed fracture of both bones in the right leg (tibia and peronea).”

The diagnosis of a fractured tibia and fibula necessitated an immediate surgical intervention. While the rest of the squad returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo to prepare for domestic and continental duties, Mokonzi remained in Algiers. He underwent a successful operation on Monday, but the recovery timeline effectively rules him out for the remainder of the season.

Mokonzi’s First Words: “I Want to Overcome This”

Despite the physical and emotional toll of the injury, Mokonzi displayed remarkable mental fortitude when he addressed his fans via his official Facebook page. His message was one of resilience, leaning on his faith to navigate the most difficult challenge of his professional career.

“It’s a bit hard, but with God, I want to overcome this period,” Mokonzi wrote. “Thank you for your messages of support and wishes. And thank you for the visit, it goes straight to my heart.”

The outpouring of support from the Lupopo faithful has been immense, with the hashtag #CourageMokonzi trending across Congolese social media circles as fans rally behind their defensive pillar.

Sportsmanship Amidst the Rivalry

In a heartwarming display of footballing solidarity, several players from MC Alger took the time to visit Mokonzi at his hospital bedside in Algiers. The visit served to de-escalate tensions following what many described as an overly aggressive match.

This gesture of sportsmanship was welcomed by the Saint-Éloi Lupopo management, proving that while the battle on the pitch is fierce, the brotherhood of African football remains intact. The visit clearly moved Mokonzi, providing a psychological boost as he began his post-operative therapy.

Tactical Blow for Lupopo Ahead of Sundowns Clash

Lupopo now faces a tactical nightmare as they prepare for their next Group C duel against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns. The clash, scheduled to take place at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, is a must-win for the Congolese side to remain in contention for the knockout stages.

Currently, Group C remains wide open:

• Al Hilal Omdurman: Leading the pack.

• Mamelodi Sundowns: Occupying second place.

• MC Alger: Just one point behind Sundowns in third.

• Saint-Éloi Lupopo: Needing a win at home to stay alive.

Losing a centre-back of Mokonzi’s caliber—known for his aerial dominance and leadership—is a significant blow for head coach Mohamed Magassouba. The technical team will now look to the likes of Ikoyo Iyembe to fill the void left by the injured star.