Linafoot Playoffs: Early goal gives VClub another win; TP Mazembe move top

AS Vita Club struck early to defeat AS Maniema Union on Saturday in Lubumbashi while on Friday, TP Mazembe continued their excellent form to move to the top of the Linafoot playoffs in the championship phase of the Congolese top flight.

Guershom Kaumba’s 3rd minute goal was enough for VClub to earn a third consecutive victory after two defeats to begin the playoffs. The Black Dolphins are finding their form at the right moment in the Kinshasa club’s title push, with three consecutive 1-0 victories thanks to opportunistic finishing and excellent defense.

The club from the capital are now level on nine points with leaders Tout Puissant Mazembe, who have a superior goal difference after defeating CS Don Bosco 4-2 on Friday.

Faveurdi Bongeli added two more goals to his impressive total during the playoffs, with the 19-year-old attacker providing a massive boost to the Ravens’ quest for redemption. After a poor 2024-25 campaign, it is looking more certain that Mazembe will achieve at least qualification for CAF interclub competition next season while they appear to be the most serious contenders for champion status.

In the other match on Friday, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo kept their hopes alive with an important 1-0 victory over last place Celeste FC.

 

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The fifth matchday will continue on Monday with Mazembe taking on AS Simba in Lubumbashi while defending champions Les Aigles du Congo face off with Celeste in Kinshasa.

Linafoot Playoff Table