Linafoot: Lushois Derby ends level, fan trouble prematurely ends Maniema Union-DCMP match

Photo: TP Mazembe

The playoff phase of DR Congo's Linafoot (a.k.a. Illicocash Ligue 1) is approaching its conclusion with the final matchday on Friday, June 27. Tuesday saw Lubumbashi's Lushois Derby take center stage between TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo while supporters disrupted a crucial top-5 clash between AS Maniema Union and DC Motema Pembe.

At the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, AS Maniema Union were on the verge of ending a two-match losing streak but DCMP supporters ran onto the pitch with Maniema up 2-0. A stellar first half strike from Jeancy Mboma was followed by Jephté Kitambala's goal.

However, shortly after Kitambala doubled the lead, the match was abandoned and Maniema Union players were forced to run off the pitch after DCMP supporters went too far in expressing their anger with the officials. If the result holds for Maniema Union, it will be a crucial step in their quest to return to the CAF Champions League and a victory against Saint-Éloi Lupopo on Friday will mean "mission accomplished".

Over in Lubumbashi at the Stade Kibassa Maliba, TP Mazembe and Saint-Éloi Lupopo played to a 1-1 draw. Mazembe, a yearly fixture in CAF club competition, continue to be in serious danger of missing out on the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup due to a point deduction for fielding an ineligible player. Lupopo are now two points back of leaders Aigles du Congo

Two games took place at the Stade TP Mazembe in the other matches from the day. CS Don Bosco won by a 3-0 forfeit against Sanga Balende while AS Simba and AS Vita Club played to a scoreless draw.