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.

 

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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.