CAFCL: Lupopo’s reminder after draw: ‘We eliminated Pirates’

Congolese side FC Saint Éloi Lupopo say they are motivated by being drawn alongside giants, including Mamelodi Sundowns, in the 2025-2026 CAF Champions’ League group stages.

The Linafoot Ligue 1 defending champions have been drawn in Group C alongside the South African giants, Al Hilal (Sudan) and MC Alger (Algeria). The draw took place on Monday.

In a reaction, Lupopo spokesperson Daniel Ndongo told Pan-Africa Football that they expect strong opposition from the three opponents.

“We are approaching this Champions’ League group stage with great motivation. The draw has given us exciting challenges against Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Hilal, and MC Alger,” he said.

How Lupopo hope to build on Pirates’ result

Ndongo said they hope to build on their exploits after eliminating Al Merreikh from the first preliminary round before dismissing Orlando Pirates in the next qualifying stage.

“Every match will be an intense battle and an opportunity for our players to excel. We are ready to make history together and thrill our fans. The fact that we played and eliminated Al Merreikh and Orlando Pirates, the two rivals of our opponents in the group stage, makes us believe and we go there with a lot of humility,” the Lupopo spokesperson added.

The Railwaymen beat the Soweto giants 5-4 on post-match penalties on October 25, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to progress to the group stages. The two teams had tied three-all on aggregate over the two legs of the Champions League second preliminary round before the penalties separated them.

Group stage draw

Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia)

Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)

Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Group D: Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali).