St Eloi Lupopo Issue Heartbreaking Update Days Before Facing Mamelodi Sundowns

Congolese side St Eloi Lupopo have suffered a major setback after one of their key players sustained a season-ending injury during their CAF Champions League match against MC Alger.

Lupopo stumbled on the road when they lost 2-0 to Rulani Mokwena’s side in Algiers and it was double pain for the Congolese team after defender Jonathan Mokonzi suffered a leg fracture.

The central defender, who was playing at right-back on Sunday, sustained the horrific injury just before halftime and was taken off on a stretcher after a long stoppage with the injury leaving both sets of players shaken.

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Following the injury, Lupopo have issued an update, explaining the extent of the defender’s setback with surgery set to take place in Algiers before he returns home to begin his long journey to recovery.

“The Management of FC Saint Éloi Lupopo wishes to inform its supporters, the club's partners, as well as the general public, of the medical situation of its central defender, Jonathan Mokonzi,” the club said via a social media post.

“Following a severe impact resulting from an act of foul play during the match against MC Alger, in-depth emergency radiological examinations have revealed a closed fracture of both bones in the right leg (tibia and fibula).

“To ensure optimal recovery, a scheduled surgical intervention is planned for this Monday, February 2, in a specialized hospital unit in Algiers. The club has mobilized the best local experts to support our player through this ordeal.

“FC Saint Éloi Lupopo wishes to reassure the player's family and his fans: Jonathan is being cared for by a top-level medical team, and his morale remains exemplary. The club will do everything possible to ensure his full recovery and his swift return to the pitch.”

The injury is a blow to Lupopo who face Mamelodi Sundowns in their next match and must win to revive their hopes of making it to the quarter-final.

Following their loss, Group C is now tightly-contested with Al-Hilal top on eight points, Sundowns on five while Lupopo and MC Alger have four each and with two matches still to play, there are no margins for error.