The teams played to a 3-3 aggregate score after both clubs recorded 3-0 home wins, before the Congolese advanced on penalties.
Pirates’ bid to have Lupopo kicked out of the tournament because their coach Guy Bukasu was suspended and two players improperly registered was also thrown out by the CAF disciplinary committee, allowing the Lubumbashi-based team to go ahead with their African Champions League campaign.
Pirates have a long history of trying to use ‘muti’ to intimidate opponents and of spraying an unknown liquid into both goalmouths when they walk out for a pre-match pitch inspection.
Their efforts to spill liquid at the recent top of the table Betway Premiership clash with Mamelodi Sundowns were quickly mopped up by Sundowns officials and there were scuffles between officials of both clubs on the field some hours before kick off.
“St Lupopo Football Club has secured a decisive administrative victory following the decision made by the Confederation of African Football,” said a Lupopo club statement on Wednesday.
“This one has dismissed the complaint of South Africans against Orlando Pirates and confirmed the eligibility of players (Henoc) Molia and (Ramos) Kashala, who are regularly registered.
“CAF has also clarified that coach Guy Bukasa's presence on the bench during the game cannot be subject to a sanction against Lupopo.
“However, the Disciplinary Jury has confirmed coach Guy Bukasa Misakabu's six-match suspension in the U-20 case, along with a fine.
“In other words, following our club's complaint against Orlando Pirates, CAF has imposed financial sanctions on the South African club:
• $5,000 to deprive Lupopo of the necessary accreditations
• $20,000 for spraying chemicals in our team's locker room
“This decision comforts the victory achieved on the field and strengthens our club's position in the competition. FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo will continue to defend its interests with the greatest determination,” their statement concluded.
Lupopo edged Pirates on post-match penalties in their second round tie in the Champions League, denying last season’s semi-finalists a place in the group phase.
Lupopo are away at Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in their opening group game.
