Linafoot Playoffs: Céleste FC draw with AS Simba on playoff debut

The first round of the matches from the Linafoot playoffs is complete in the Democratic Republic of Congo after Céleste FC came back to draw AS Simba 1-1 at the Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi.

Jacques Mangoba put Kolwezi-based Simba ahead from the penalty spot shortly before the hour mark following a foul in the box. However, playoff debutants Céleste fought back to claim a point with a late equalizer courtesy of Aristote Benkiki’s volley.

After a cautious opening ten minutes from both clubs, Céleste began to show positive signs but failed to find a goal by halftime.

But they suffered a setback around the hour mark when a foul was committed in the penalty area during an opportunity for AS Simba. Former Sagrada Esperança and AS Vita Club midfielder Mangoba slotted his spot kick just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mutima Bayoka.

The new members of the championship group were not deterred, however, and continued to push forward in hopes of earning a positive result. Their efforts were rewarded late on when the AS Simba defense failed to clear a free kick and Benkiki followed up with a precise volley just inside the post.

There will be a couple of days before the second round of matches begin. Following the first round results, TP Mazembe and AS Maniema Union top the group after achieving victories. Reigning champions Les Aigles du Congo played to a draw with FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo while AS Vita Club and CS Don Bosco fell to defeat.

 

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The top two teams from the eight-team championship group will represent DR Congo in the CAF Champions League next season while the third place team will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup alongside the champion of the Coupe du Congo.

Linafoot Playoff Table