Linafoot: FC Celeste clinch historic qualification for championship phase

Only a few years after gaining promotion to DR Congo’s Linafoot (a.k.a. Illicocash Ligue 1), FC Celeste added another historical achievement on Tuesday by qualifying for the championship phase with a 2-1 comeback victory over reigning champions Les Aigles du Congo.

After going down earlier in the second half, Celeste responded with two goals in three minutes to seize qualification in dramatic fashion. Bashale Mafuku finished at the far post from a left wing cross in the 78th minute to confirm victory.

Linafoot championship phase clubs almost confirmed

For the club based in Mbandaka, in DR Congo’s Équateur Province, it is an achievement that arrives despite being forced to compete in the group located in the capital of Kinshasa some distance away.

The victory puts them out of reach of fifth place Dauphins Noirs, and FC Celeste will join Aigles du Congo as well as AS Maniema Union as the representatives from the Kinshasa group in the final stage. One more place is yet to be determined on Wednesday, when AS Vita Club and Dauphins Noirs will be in action for their final regular season fixtures.

VClub, leading by two points, will face struggling club OC Renaissance where a draw or victory will be enough to qualify. Dauphins Noirs will have to defeat AC Rangers on the same day to have any chance of advancing to the Linafoot’s championship stage.

 

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The four teams from the capital group will compete against four clubs from the Lubumbashi-based group, which includes regional and national titans TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo. CS Don Bosco and AS Simba complete the final group, where the champion will be determined as well as which Congolese clubs participate in CAF interclub competitions next season.