Andrew Olsson
May 8, 2026VClub earn first points in Linafoot playoffs with win over Lupopo
AS Vita Club goalkeeper Abraham Mognita was the hero on Friday. Photo: AS Vita Club
VClub earn first points in Linafoot playoffs with win over Lupopo
AS Vita Club brought themselves back into contention in the Linafoot playoffs on Friday with an important 1-0 victory over FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Tata Raphaël in Kinshasa, giving the VClub their first positive result in three matches from the championship phase.
After surviving a couple of early opportunities from Les Cheminots, including an excellent reaction save from goalkeeper Abraham Mognita, the Black Dolphins struck against the run of play to deal a big blow to Lubumbashi giants Lupopo.
Finding room on the right flank, Guershom Kaumba put in a perfect cross with his left foot to find Mpiana Mozizi, who produced an excellent diving header for the only goal of the match.
VClub had a golden opportunity to double their advantage before halftime. Former DRC international and Lupopo defender Issama Mpeko attempted to save a shot off his line but used his hand, leading to a penalty kick. However, Mpiana proceeded to fire his spot kick off the crossbar and Lupopo escaped.
Outstanding performance from VClub goalkeeper
In the second half, it was goalkeeper Mognita who became the hero. The shot stopper from the Republic of Congo produced several more saves to preserve the lead, and was awarded with the award for Man of the Match after the full time whistle blew.
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After suffering two defeats in Lubumbashi to begin the playoffs, a return to the familiarity of the capital clearly benefited Les Dauphins Noirs. They are now back in the race to make a challenge for the title as well as qualification for CAF interclub competition next season if they can finish in a top-3 position.
Action from the playoffs will continue on Saturday and Sunday. Another club from the capital, reigning champions Les Aigles du Congo, will attempt to utilize home advantage at the Stade Tata Raphaël when they face CS Don Bosco. Celeste FC and TP Mazembe will face off at the same venue following the first match.
On Sunday, playoff leaders AS Maniema Union will clash with AS Simba at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Linafoot Playoff Table
| Team | GP | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Maniema Union | 2 | 6 | +3 |
| Aigles du Congo | 2 | 4 | +2 |
| Saint-Éloi Lupopo | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| TP Mazembe | 2 | 3 | +1 |
| CS Don Bosco | 2 | 3 | -1 |
| AS Vita Club | 3 | 3 | -2 |
| Celeste FC | 2 | 1 | -1 |
| AS Simba | 2 | 1 | -2 |
