Andrew Olsson
April 13, 2026Linafoot Update: Lubumbashi group settled, three clubs battle for two spots in Kinshasa
AS Vita Club are among the teams battling for a place in the championship stage. Photo: AS Vita Club
Linafoot Update: Lubumbashi group settled, three clubs battle for two spots in Kinshasa
Seven of the eight participants in the upcoming championship phase have been determined in DR Congo’s Linafoot, where the regular season is coming down to its final fixtures in both groups.
Lubumbashi Group A
In the group centered around Lubumbashi, there is no question remaining about which clubs will compete for the title and qualification for interclub competitions next season. TP Mazembe leads the group by seven points, ahead of rivals FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo while CS Don Bosco and AS Simba finish out the top-4.
On Sunday, Lupopo confirmed the relegation of JS Groupe Bazano with a 2-0 victory.
Henoc Molia and Dramane Kambou scored the goals for the Railwaymen, who will settle for second place behind local rivals TP Mazembe. The CAF Champions League participants have now won their last three matches under coach Guy Bukasa.
Also on Sunday, Mazembe edged CS Don Bosco 1-0 to confirm top spot for the Ravens and continue their season of redemption.
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Satala Assani finished an excellent team sequence with a powerful volley for the only goal of the match.
After failing to qualify for CAF club competition due to a disastrous 2024-25 season, Mazembe are eager to re-establish themselves as the top club in the DRC and soon the important matches will begin when they are placed with the nation’s top teams in the championship stage.
Kinshasa Group B
Over around the nation’s capital, there remain three clubs battling for two spots. With places in the championship group secured by reigning champions FC Les Aigles du Congo and AS Maniema Union, third and fourth place remain up for grabs.
Traditional capital powerhouse AS Vita Club are doing their part to compete with the best. The 1973 African club champions defeated AC Rangers 3-0 to move into third place on Sunday.
All three goals came in the second half for the Black Dolphins, who are also looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing 2024-25 season.
VClub are one point clear of fourth place FC Celeste, who hold the final qualification place following a 5-0 destruction of OC Renaissance. With their opposition just relieved to be away from relegation danger, Celeste continued their push for a first-ever appearance in the title stage since being promoted to the top flight in 2022.
Celeste will face group leaders Aigles du Congo on Tuesday, where a victory will be enough for them to secure their place. However, only a point back is AS Dauphin Noir who took a step back with a 0-0 draw against FC Renaissance last week. They must defeat AC Rangers on Wednesday and hope for Celeste fail to defeat the defending champions.
