Kinshasa, April 30th, 2025 (CPA) – The duel between Lupopo of Haut-Katanga, in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Maniema Union of Kindu (east of the country), was scheduled for Wednesday at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba stadium in Lubumbashi, on day 3 of the National Football League (Linafoot) play-offs. Prior to the kick-off, FC Saint Éloi Lupopo had played two matches and won both, most recently in Kinshasa at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte. The cheminots beat Anges verts de Kinshasa by a resounding 4-0 scoreline, taking a total of 6 points from their two outings. As for Maniema Union of Kindu, the team is in a good position with 6 points from two matches played.
On the eve of this decisive match between FC Saint Éloi Lupopo and AS Maniema Union, both sides are showing unfailing determination. At a pre-match press conference, coach Papy Kimoto expressed his confidence. ‘I’ve got total commitment from my players, who are ready to take to the field ‘like warriors’,’ he said. He also appealed to the fans to come and galvanize the team, while denouncing a situation he considers unfair, as his club is obliged to play all its matches away from home. As for Lupopo, head coach Luc Eymael made a somewhat restrained appearance before the press, promising only that ‘it will be a very interesting match’. This summit match on matchday 3 of the play-offs promises to be a spectacle at the Kibassa Maliba stadium. Both teams will be coming into this clash in fine form and will be keen to gain the upper hand in the race for the podium.