Mukoko leads Saint-Eloi Lupopo in DRC league opener

After completing the CAF Champions League mission, Congo’s FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has turned to temperamental defender Dieumerci Mukoko for another assignment.

The coach has named the right-back in a squad for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) local league. Lupopo will open their Linafoot Ligue 1 season against Cercle Sportif Manika at the Dominique Diur Stadium on Thursday.

Mukoko will lead Lupopo as they play catch up in stream A of the three-pronged domestic league. They were preoccupied with the Champions League assignments against Orlando Pirates when the DRC league kicked off on October 22, 2025.

The Linafoot Ligue out club squeezed through to the Champions’ League group stages at the expense of the fancied Buccaneers after winning 5-4 on post-match penalties in Johannesburg. Pirates won the second leg 3-0 to erase Lupopo’s similar lead from the first leg, thereby paving the way for the penalties.

How Mukoko left tongues rolling in South Africa after Pirates game

Mukoko’s theatrics, perceived rough play and showmanship that bordered on sheer provocation caught the attention of most fans in South Africa. Some supporters suggested that the right-back was lucky not to receive a red card.

Mukoko head-butted Pirates star Masindi Nemtajela then appeared to plant his boots on Oswin Appollis’ heel in an off the field antic. However, the DRC international got away with it. His team-mate Christopher Sumbu received a red card instead. Pirates, too, finished the game with a man down following Tshepang Moremi’s dismissal.

Mukoko is a DR Congo international boasting 23 caps, with his club career extending to previous spells with AS Vita, DC Motema Pembe and Les Aigles.

Overall, AS Malole lead the log table A with six points from two games followed by TP Mazembe in second place on three points at par with Tshika and US Panda B52.