Pirates warned of ‘unfriendly & hostile’ Lupopo in CAF CL! ‘It is a difficult place to play’

Orlando Pirates are set for the final CAF Champions League two-legged preliminary round against the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit Saint Eloi Lupopo.

The Buccaneers advanced after a 7-0 aggregate win over Lioli of Lesotho, while their opponents brushed aside Sudan's Al-Merrikh by a laboured 1-0 win in the two meetings. Lupopo will host Bucs on Sunday, October 19, in Lubumbashi.

According to Chippa United coach Luc Eymael, who coached the Congolese side in the 2023/24 campaign, it will not be a walk in the park for the Premier Soccer League team.

‘The environment will be a bit hostile'

“First of all, we qualified Lupopo for the Champions League,” the tactician opened up to Soccer Laduma.

“If I’m right, the first game will be in Lupopo, and it will not be easy for Pirates to go there and get a positive result. The stadium will be full, and the fans will be the 13th man of the team. Also, it’s an artificial pitch, and the environment will be a bit hostile for Pirates but very positive for Lupopo.

“It’s not just the fans; the pitch, the noise, and the passion, all of that make it a difficult place to play. Pirates will feel it. Lupopo have also made some changes since I left, both tactically and in terms of personnel.

“It’s a very good artificial pitch, but it’s different from what Pirates are used to. The fans there are intense – they really push the team. Lupopo still have quality, even if their system has changed,” he continued.

If Pirates get a positive result away…

Eymael has further stated by coaching AS Vita Club, Abdeslam Ouaddou knows what to expect, but is adamant if Bucs get a result away, then it will be easier for them in Mzansi in the second leg.

“The coach of Pirates worked in Congo before, so he knows the environment. He even faced Lupopo in the league when I was there. That knowledge might help Pirates prepare better for what’s coming.

“Pirates are doing very well – they’ve developed a good brand of soccer. But for me, this tie is 50-50. Everything will depend on what happens in Lubumbashi. If Pirates manage to come away with a draw or a narrow defeat, I believe they can finish the job back home in South Africa.

“If Pirates get a positive result away, they will qualify at home – no doubt. They’ll have their fans, their pitch, and their rhythm. But they must first survive the pressure in Lubumbashi. Lupopo will not make it easy,” Eymael concluded.