Linafoot Playoffs: Maniema Union and TP Mazembe off to winning start

The Linafoot (a.k.a. Illicocash Ligue 1) playoffs continued from the Congolese top flight on Friday with opening match victories for AS Maniema Union and TP Mazembe in a doubleheader played at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.

In the headline clash featuring the hosts, TP Mazembe emerged victorious with a 2-0 victory over Kinshasa giants AS Vita Club. After a scoreless first half, goals in the final half hour from Dieubéni Ndongala and substitute Cheikh Fofana confirmed three points for the Ravens.

A fierce first half saw the two teams battle without a goal but the hosts found their stride in the final stretch. A switch of play to the left wing in the 72nd minute led to a dribbling run by Kazema Baso, whose low cross snuck past the defense to Ndongala. The defender controlled the ball and produced a strong finish into the top corner from six yards out.

Ten minutes later, Gloire Kalume collected a short corner kick from Patrick Mwaungulu and his cross found Fofana, who leaped impressively to head the ball on goal. VClub goalkeeper Jackson Lunanga did well to get a hand to the powerful header but could only tip the ball off his crossbar and into the goal.

#Ligue1PlayOffs #ClassicoRDC
FIN DU MATCH : @TPMazembe 2, @ASVitaOfficial 0

Les Corbeaux s’imposent avec autorité ! Après un premier acte au forceps, les ajustements tactiques du coach #RAHO ont payé : une récupération étanche et un milieu dominateur ont scellé le sort du match

— TP Mazembe (@TPMazembe) May 1, 2026

In the earlier match played at the same venue, AS Maniema Union overcame local club CS Don Bosco, also by a score of 2-0.

Burkinabe international Clement Pitroipa drew and then converted a penalty kick in first half stoppage time to give Les Verts et Noirs the lead by halftime. Republic of Congo international Beni Namboka finished off the victory with an easy tap-in during second half stoppage time following a successful counter-attack.

The Kindu-based club are attempting to rediscover their form since the departure of legendary Congolese player and coach Papy Kimoto about a month ago. After a difficult stretch for their attack that led to three consecutive 0-0 draws, Friday’s victory is a timely move in the right direction.

The first round of the playoffs will conclude on Saturday in Lubumbashi when AS Simba face playoff debutants Céleste FC at the Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba.

Linafoot Playoff Table