MCA stunned late, qualification hopes in danger

MC Alger’s fans will have to wait longer for an African dream. Defeated 1–0 by FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Sunday in Lubumbashi, the Greens and Reds seriously hurt their chances of reaching the quarter-finals after collecting just one point from three group matches.

Played in tough conditions, with intense heat and a difficult synthetic pitch, the match saw MCA struggle to impose their usual rhythm. Lupopo were the more aggressive and organized side, creating several chances, only denied for long spells by goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz. MC Alger, on the other hand, lacked attacking edge and failed to seriously threaten the Congolese defense.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time, when Michael Wulu converted a controversial penalty (90’+5), sealing a hard blow for the Algiers club. Now bottom of Group C, MCA must win their next three matches, including two at home, to keep their qualification hopes alive  a challenge that looks anything but easy.