Bukasa outlines strategy as Lupopo shock Pirates in Champions League

FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa outlined the plan that helped his side win big against South African giants Orlando Pirates on Sunday at the Stade Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi.

The DR Congo outfit stunned the Buccaneers 3-0 in the CAF Champions League second qualifying round.

According to Foot DRC, Bukasa stated that they had studied the Pirates’ game plan before the match. “We knew their strengths, and it showed. They kept the ball, they were very good, and we were sharp, especially in transition. That was the key—the secret to holding our own against a team like that.

“We were very patient. We let them have the ball when we needed to, and we knew how to take advantage of our strong moments. The team is improving, because there is still a lot to do,” explained Guy Bukasa in a post-match press conference.

How Lupopo Shocked Pirates In Champions League

The former DR Congo Under-20 national team head coach stated that he expects a different match in the second leg. “We will analyse this match and define the strategy for the return leg later this week. They still caused us problems. We need to pin them down well to respond to each difficulty. It won’t be the same type of match, but they’ll have possession like here. It’s up to us to find the right formula so they don’t pose a threat.”

The Lubumbashi-based club has never reached the Champions League group stages in its entire history. They came close twice, in 2003 and 2006, but lost to Canon Yaoundé and Enyimba, respectively. They will be hoping to secure the historic feat in Johannesburg on Saturday, October 25.