Linafoot: Aigles du Congo complete shock maiden title after draw with TP Mazembe
- Andrew Olsson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
In a tight and fiercely fought conclusion to the campaign, Kinshasa-based club FC Les Aigles du Congo have shocked Congolese football by capturing their first-ever Linafoot (a.k.a. Illicocash Ligue 1) title following Friday's 1-1 draw with TP Mazembe.
It was a thrilling conclusion to the Linafoot season with FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo and AS Maniema Union still in contention to claim the trophy. However, after the two teams played to a 0-0 draw, the stage was set for Aigles du Congo to ascend to new heights only two years into their existence.
Heltone Kayembe opened the scoring for Aigles towards the end of the first half, heading in from close range following a Mujinga Kikwama corner kick. The match was a heated affair, taking place at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi against an opponent under enormous pressure.
Mazembe supporters threw objects at the Aigles du Congo staff and players as the match approached its conclusion. Patient Mwamba equalized early in the second half for Mazembe but the Congolese giants failed to get the victory they needed to qualify for CAF interclub competition next season.
A recent points deduction, applied due to Mazembe fielding an ineligible player, cost the club dearly as they missed out on a top-3 position and had to settle for fifth place after winning four of the last five completed championships .
FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo finished as runners-up and will join Aigles du Congo in the 2025-26 CAF Champions League while Maniema Union will participate in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup as third place finishers. DR Congo's other CAF Confederation Cup representative will be the winner of the Coupe du Congo, which is currently in the quarterfinal stage.
For Aigles du Congo, their coronation marks a reward for a club that has an ambitious vision under club president Vidiye Tshimanga. Only founded in 2023, the Samurai have already accomplished one of their major goals and now can focus on their highest ambition which is to become a force in continental competition.
