St Eloi Lupopo vs Mamelodi Sundowns Prediction & Betting Tips (8 February)

St Eloi Lupopo approach this CAF Champions League clash carrying both determination and recent adversity. In early February, the Congolese side confirmed a major setback when defender Jonathan Mokonzi suffered a season‑ending leg fracture during their match against MC Alger, a game they lost 2‑0, adding pressure to an already demanding group stage campaign pulsesports.co.ke. Their form has been inconsistent, but they have shown flashes of resilience, including competitive stretches in earlier fixtures. As they prepare for Mamelodi Sundowns, the team must regroup quickly, relying on tactical discipline and collective effort to compensate for missing key personnel.

Mamelodi Sundowns enter this encounter with their own turbulence, having recently faced chaotic scenes after a 2‑2 draw against Al‑Hilal, where frustrated supporters confronted club officials following dropped points in a match they initially seemed capable of winning Pulse Sports Kenya. Despite the off‑field drama, Sundowns remain a technically polished side with strong midfield control and attacking depth. Their recent group stage performances have been mixed, but they continue to accumulate valuable points, keeping them firmly in contention. The team’s challenge now is to stabilize emotionally and maintain focus.

Both teams have crossed paths recently in group play, including a tightly contested fixture on February 8, 2026, where St Eloi Lupopo and Mamelodi Sundowns battled to a 1‑1 draw, showcasing competitive balance between the sides ESPN. Their previous meeting in November 2025 ended 3‑1 in favor of Sundowns, highlighting the South African club’s attacking potential when given space and momentum Sofascore. These contrasting results illustrate how unpredictable this matchup can be, with each side capable of imposing its rhythm depending on form, confidence, and tactical execution on the day.

Considering the recent injuries affecting Lupopo, the emotional strain surrounding Sundowns, and the tactical caution often seen in decisive CAF Champions League group fixtures, this match has the potential to unfold as a tense, low‑risk encounter. Both teams may prioritize structure over aggression, aiming to avoid costly mistakes rather than chase high‑tempo attacking sequences. With that in mind, a 0:0 correct score prediction appears realistic, especially if early phases of the match settle into a midfield‑heavy stalemate where neither side finds the breakthrough.