Late Kimputu Penalty Lifts Lupopo Past MC Alger To Boost Qualification Hopes

A stoppage-time penalty kept St Éloi Lupopo alive in the CAF Champions League, delivering a dramatic victory over MC Alger that tightened the race in Group C.

A Decisive Moment in Added Time

St Éloi Lupopo reignited their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with a dramatic 1–0 victory over MC Alger on Sunday, snatching the win deep into stoppage time in Lubumbashi to climb back into contention in Group C.

The defining moment arrived in the fifth minute of added time at the Stade de la Victoire, when substitute Enock Molia was brought down inside the penalty area by Algerian defender Ghezala.

With the pressure at its peak, Michael Kimputu stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

A Tightly Contested Battle

For much of the match, the contest remained finely balanced. Lupopo showed slightly more attacking intent and urgency, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by.

MC Alger, still searching for their first victory of the group stage, stayed organized at the back and looked set to escape with a valuable point.

The first half produced few moments of real danger, as both sides cancelled each other out in midfield and struggled to create space in the final third.

After the break, Lupopo pushed higher up the pitch, fueled by the home crowd, yet their final pass often let them down. MC Alger continued to soak up pressure, defending in numbers and aiming to frustrate their hosts.

Kimputu Changes the Group C Picture

Just as the match seemed destined to end goalless, the late penalty swung the contest decisively in Lupopo’s favor. Kimputu’s composed finish sealed the Congolese side’s first victory of the group stage and completely altered the complexion of Group C.

The result lifts St Éloi Lupopo to four points after three matches, placing them in third position at the halfway stage of the group.

Meanwhile, MC Alger remain bottom of the standings with just one point and now face an uphill battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.

At the top of the table, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal Omdurman are tied on five points, highlighting how tight the race for the quarterfinals has become.