Title: The defeat of Saint-Éloi Lupopo against Sekhukhune in the CAF Confederation Cup: a challenge for the sole representative of the DRC
Introduction :
On September 16, 2023, Saint-Éloi Lupopo faced Sekhukhune team in the 2nd preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Unfortunately, the Congolese team lost with a score of 3-1. This defeat puts the only representative of the DRC in a difficult situation, forcing them to overcome this goal gap in the return match. This article returns to this meeting and highlights the challenges facing Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
The story of the match:
In the 11th minute, the South African team took the lead thanks to Chibuike Ohizu, scoring the first goal of the match. However, Saint-Éloi Lupopo quickly reacted and managed to equalize thanks to Jonathan Mokonzi in the 13th minute. Unfortunately, the Congolese team conceded another goal just before half-time, scored by James Webber in the 40th minute.
Despite the efforts made in the second half, Saint-Éloi Lupopo failed to find the much-hoped-for equalizer. On the contrary, it was former Congolese defender Trésor Tshibwabwa who sealed Sekhukhune’s victory by scoring the third goal on the hour mark.
The return match challenge:
The defeat in this first leg places Saint-Éloi Lupopo in a delicate situation. To hope to qualify for the next round of the Confederation Cup, the Congolese team will have to win the return match with a gap of two goals without conceding. This task promises to be difficult, but the players will have to give their best on the field to meet this challenge.
Outlook for TP Mazembe:
TP Mazembe, another Congolese club involved in the competition, will enter the competition the day after this match, September 17, by facing Big Bullets from Malawi. Just like Saint-Éloi Lupopo, TP Mazembe will be keen to achieve a great performance and represent the DRC with dignity in this continental competition.
Conclusion :
The defeat of Saint-Éloi Lupopo against Sekhukhune in the CAF Confederation Cup puts the sole representative of the DRC in a delicate position. Despite this difficulty, the Congolese team will have to fight during the return match to try to reverse the situation. Let’s hope that the players of Saint-Éloi Lupopo and TP Mazembe will be able to meet these challenges and carry the colors of the DRC high in this competition.