Orlando Pirates’ bid to change their CAF Champions League exit was turned down after the Confederation of African Football ruled in favour of FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo and confirmed action against the Soweto club. The ruling ended Pirates’ hope to come back into the league and came after both sides sent in claims about player use and match-day conduct.
Pirates said Lupopo head coach Guy Bukasa should not have been on the bench due to a six-match ban from a U20 AFCON game. The club also asked about the player status of Henoc Molia and Kashala Wanet, saying Molia came in late and Wanet had two passports. According to Goal.com, these points were the core of Pirates’ case after they went out on spot kicks.
Lupopo said CAF found no wrong and threw out all Pirates’ points. The side said CAF made it clear that Molia and Kashala were set up in the right way and that Bukasa’s place on the bench did not break any rule. A note from the DRC club read:
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“CAF rules in favor of FC St Lupopo against Orlando Pirates FC… confirmed the eligibility of players Moila and Kashala, who were duly registered.” The panel also said Bukasa’s past ban still stood, but it did not link to this match.
The ruling came after Lupopo won the first game 3–0 before Pirates drew level on the full score at Orlando Stadium and then went out in the shootout. Pirates’ step to push an admin claim was their last try to stay in the league after they fell short on the night.
Pirates Fined After Lupopo Counter-ComplaintCAF also backed Lupopo’s claim against Pirates, which led to fines worth R430 000. Lupopo said the fine had US$5 000 for not giving the team needed access tags and US$20 000 for use of a strong chemical spray in their locker room. The club said the ruling “reinforces the victory obtained on the field” and builds its place in the league.
The panel also kept Bukasa’s six-match ban for the U-20 issue, plus a fine, but said it was not tied to the game with Pirates. Goal.com said this was the one point Pirates got right, but it had no link to Lupopo’s right to play.
Lupopo Shift Focus to Sundowns ClashLupopo will move on in the CAF Champions League in Group C, where they will meet Mamelodi Sundowns, MC Alger and Al Hilal. Their first game is set for 22 November at Loftus Versfeld, which sends them back to South Africa weeks after the clash with Pirates.
Sundowns captain Themba Zwane said Lupopo’s style needs care after he saw their game with Pirates. “They are dirty, and the tackles were flying, but they put in hard work,” Zwane said, noting the strong edge Lupopo showed.
The Tshwane side, who lost to Pyramids FC in last year’s final, want to push one step more this time. Lupopo, lifted by what they called a “decisive administrative victory,” hope to bring that drive into a tough group with two top North African clubs.
