Saint Éloi Lupopo coach Guy Bukasa has hailed his players’ emotional discipline after they stunned Orlando Pirates on penalties to reach the next round of the CAF Champions League.

Lupopo progressed 5–4 in the shoot‑out after the tie finished 3–3 on aggregate. The Congolese side earned a memorable 3–0 victory at home but lost by the same scoreline at Orlando Stadium, forcing the dramatic conclusion in Lubumbashi.

Bukasa said the key to the result was managing pressure and staying calm under intense scrutiny.

“I said yesterday that the key to the game would be emotion management,” he told reporters. “We suffered a lot, from our arrival here until now, and the match was far from easy. In front of us was a very big team with quality players. We knew we would suffer and we accepted it.

“When we conceded the third goal I told the guys to keep quiet. We had no pressure; Orlando Pirates were the ones who had to feel the pressure. That mentality helped us remain composed during the penalty kicks.”

Lupopo’s victory surprised many observers, not least because the club had gone into the fixture having not conceded in nine matches. Bukasa’s side will now prepare for their next continental assignment buoyed by confidence and belief that their mental strength can carry them through tighter encounters.

–ChannelAfrica–