Kinshasa, May 5th, 2026 (CPA) – Saint Éloi Lupopo defeated TP Mazembe 2-1 on Tuesday in a Lubumbashi derby, in Haut-Katanga, south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the Kibasa Maliba Stadium, on Matchday 2 of the Linafoot championship play-offs. In this highly contested closed-door derby, eagerly awaited by fans, the 22 players on the pitch delivered an intense performance. At the first clear opportunity, Lupopo’s striker Enock Molia (22nd minute) broke the deadlock, giving his side a 1-0 lead at half-time. After the break, TP Mazembe stepped up the pressure and managed to equalize through Dieumerci Ndongala (53rd minute), bringing the match back to life. Despite Mazembe’s efforts, Lupopo remained resilient, and Latit Goumey (69th minute) scored the winning goal, leaving Mazembe unable to recover before the final whistle. With this victory, Lupopo now have four points from two matches, having previously drawn 1-1 with Les Aigles du Congo on Matchday 1. TP Mazembe remain on three points after two outings, following their 2-0 win over AS V. Club in the opening round.
Maniema Union defeat Céleste (1-0) at Mazembe Stadium
Elsewhere at the Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, AS Maniema Union of Kindu, in the central-east of the DRC, secured a 1-0 victory over Céleste FC of Mbandaka, from Equateur province, in a Matchday 2 play-off fixture. The only goal of the match was scored by Chadoma Mukeni (46th minute). The two sides went into half-time level at 0-0, before Maniema Union found the breakthrough shortly after the restart.
This second consecutive win places Maniema Union provisionally at the top of the standings with six points from two matches, following their 2-0 victory over Don Bosco on Matchday 1. Céleste FC, meanwhile, have one point after two outings.
Simba fall to Les Aigles du Congo (0-2)
Earlier, AS Simba of Kolwezi, from Lualaba province in the south-east of the DRC, were beaten 2-0 by Les Aigles du Congo of Kinshasa at the Kibasa Maliba Stadium, also on Matchday 2 of the Linafoot play-offs. In a balanced encounter, both sides were determined to secure all three points. Les Aigles du Congo took the lead through Glody Kikwama Mujinga (40th minute, penalty), going into the break with a 1-0 advantage. After half-time, the Kinshasa side maintained their momentum, and Jonathan Ikangalombo (84th minute) sealed the victory for Les Aigles du Congo. With this 2-0 win, Les Aigles du Congo recorded their first victory after drawing 1-1 with Lupopo in their opening match, bringing their tally to four points from two games. AS Simba, on the other hand, remain with one point from two matches.