AS Maniema Union have thrown their full weight behind coach Papy Kimoto who was pelted after his Congolese team gave away an early lead before losing 1-2 to Mamelodi Sundowns in Kinshasa on Saturday.
A statement from the Congolese club says it does not condone the reaction of the home fans after the defeat at Stade de Martyrs condemned Maniema Union out of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal race.
“AS Maniema Union extends its full support to their head coach Papy Kimoto Okitankoyi targeted by projectiles thrown by supporters who came to cheer the match,” the statement reads. "AS Maniema Union sportingly accepted their defeat of the day and committed to work even harder to come back stronger next season with coach Papy Kimoto Okitankoyi justified by his records.”
The Congolese side hailed the players for their spirited performance that saw them holding Sundowns to a goalless draw in the first leg played in Pretoria last November.
“AS Maniema Union congratulates its players who, through their talents, have managed to force admiration on the continental chessboard,” the statement adds.
The hosts went ahead through Jephté Kitambala’s goal on the half-hour mark to lead 1-0 at the break. The Betway Premiership champions turned the tables with Peter Shalulile leveling matters before an own goal handed Miguel Cardoso’s men passage to the quarterfinals.
Maniema Union occupy the bottom place of Group B with three points, behind AS FAR (eight points), Sundowns (eight points) and Raja Casablanca (four points).
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