CAFCC: AS Maniema Union in venue concern for USM Alger test

With TP Mazembe Stadium ripped apart by hooligans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last Sunday, the country’s CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) quarterfinal-stage representatives AS Maniema Union are concerned.

The Congolese cup kings are supposed to host USM Alger at the Lubumbashi Province venue in the quarterfinal first-leg game of the continental cup on Sunday.

#Ligue1 #DerbyLushois
🏆 Ligue 1 / Retour
📝 17e Journée
🆚 Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo
📆 Dimanche, 8 mars 2026
🕒 13:00 TU, 15:00 Lubumbashi
🏟 @TBadiangwenas
🌍 Lubumbashi – RDC pic.twitter.com/rDnmPBbrRI

— TP Mazembe (@TPMazembe) March 8, 2026

TP Mazembe is Congo’s only CAF and FIFA-certified match venue for hosting high-profile international matches.

Little wonder, AS Maniema Union have released a statement via their vice-president, Guy Kapya, condemning the damage to the stadium, which leaves its readiness for the Confederation Cup match in doubt.

AS Maniema address Lubumbashi derby violence

“AS Maniema Union strongly condemns the acts of vandalism that occurred on Sunday at the TP Mazembe Stadium during the derby against TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo. Violence is not acceptable,” reads the statement. “Football must remain a vector of values, respect and fair play. Whatever the stake or the result of a match, violence has no place in our stadiums.”

The Confederation Cup participants from Congo then highlighted the importance of the venue for hosting matches, referencing Sunday’s meeting with USM Alger.

Will CAFCC match take place in DRC?

“AS Maniema Union also recalls that TP Mazembe Stadium is currently the only infrastructure in the country allowed to host international matches for clubs and national teams,” adds the statement.

“Any violence aimed at destroying this essential tool for Congolese football is unacceptable. The club calls on the competent authorities to open an investigation in order to establish responsibility and sanction the perpetrators of these acts so that such events do not happen again.”

In a statement issued on Monday through secretary general Frederic Kinkumba, Mazembe accused their rivals’ supporters of inciting the violence.

“TP Mazembe, deeply disgraced, brings to the attention of national and international public opinion, national and continental sporting bodies, and all football stakeholders, the unprecedentedly serious events that occurred during the derby against FC Lupopo, played in its stadium, the only stadium in the DRC currently approved by FIFA and CAF for international competitions,” reads the statement in part.

In a reaction, Lupopo also hit back by releasing their own strong-worded statement citing the sequence of events leading up to the violence, including posting videos of Mazembe supporters seemingly urinating on the goal posts while others sprinkled some liquid substances.

CAFCC: AS Maniema Union in Venue Concern for USM Alger Test

Concerns are growing ahead of the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal clash involving AS Maniema Union after violent incidents left TP Mazembe Stadium damaged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The stadium, located in Lubumbashi, suffered vandalism during a heated derby match between TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo last Sunday. Supporters reportedly damaged sections of the stadium during the chaotic scenes, raising questions about whether the venue will be ready in time for the continental fixture.

The Congolese cup champions are scheduled to host Algerian giants USM Alger at the stadium in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. However, the destruction caused by the violence has cast uncertainty over the preparations for the highly anticipated match.

TP Mazembe Stadium currently holds a unique status in the country’s football infrastructure. It is the only venue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo approved by both CAF and FIFA to host major international club and national team matches. Because of this certification, many important continental fixtures involving Congolese clubs are played there.

Club Condemns Violence at Lubumbashi Derby

Following the incident, the club’s leadership issued a strong statement condemning the vandalism. Vice-president Guy Kapya expressed deep concern about the events and emphasized that such behavior undermines the values of football.

“AS Maniema Union strongly condemns the acts of vandalism that occurred on Sunday at the TP Mazembe Stadium during the derby against TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo. Violence is not acceptable,” the statement read.

The club also stressed that football should promote unity, respect and sportsmanship rather than conflict and destruction.

“Football must remain a vector of values, respect and fair play. Whatever the stake or the result of a match, violence has no place in our stadiums,” the statement added.

Officials further highlighted the importance of the Lubumbashi venue for Congolese football, particularly for international competitions such as the CAF Confederation Cup.

Doubts Over Venue for CAF Confederation Cup Match

With the stadium now damaged, questions have emerged regarding whether the upcoming quarterfinal encounter will still take place in Lubumbashi. Any delay in repairs could potentially force organizers to consider alternative arrangements.

The club emphasized that the stadium remains the country’s primary facility for hosting international matches.

“TP Mazembe Stadium is currently the only infrastructure in the country allowed to host international matches for clubs and national teams,” the statement continued.

Because of this status, any damage to the venue could have wider implications for football activities in the country. The club therefore called on authorities to investigate the incidents and hold those responsible accountable.

“Any violence aimed at destroying this essential tool for Congolese football is unacceptable,” the statement said.

Rival Clubs Exchange Accusations

In a separate statement issued through secretary-general Frederic Kinkumba, TP Mazembe blamed supporters of their rivals for provoking the violence that led to the destruction at the stadium.

The club described the incidents as extremely serious and damaging to the reputation of football in the country. Mazembe officials stressed that the venue is currently the only stadium in the Democratic Republic of the Congo approved by FIFA and CAF for international competitions.

Meanwhile, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo responded by releasing their own strongly worded statement. The club disputed the accusations and claimed that the sequence of events leading to the violence involved actions from rival supporters.

Lupopo also shared videos on social media that allegedly showed Mazembe fans engaging in provocative behavior around the pitch area before the situation escalated.

Important Match Approaching

Despite the controversy surrounding the stadium, attention is slowly shifting back to the upcoming quarterfinal match. The clash against USM Alger is expected to be one of the biggest fixtures for the Congolese side this season as they aim to progress further in the CAF Confederation Cup.

For now, supporters and football officials alike will be waiting to see whether the stadium repairs can be completed in time. The situation remains under close watch as the match date approaches, with hopes that the venue will be ready to host the important continental encounter.