Kinshasa, May 21st, 2025 (CPA) – Motema Pembe of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), beat Lupopo of Lubumbashi, from Haut-Katanga, in the south-east of the country, by 1-0 on Wednesday at the Martyrs stadium in Kinshasa, on the 6th day of the play-offs in the National League of Football (Linafoot) championship. The only goal of the game for the Faucons of DC Motema de Kinshasa came from Bingi Belo (9th). Despite the efforts of the Immaculate to double their advantage and the Lumpas to restore the balance, this result, achieved before half-time, held up until the final whistle, sealing victory for the Green and Whites of Kinshasa and, in turn, defeat for the Blue and Gold of Lubumbashi.
In terms of points, Motema Pembe jumped ahead by a further three, for a total of 10 points from 7 outings. In the same number of matches, Lupopo, who conceded their third defeat in this phase, were stuck on 12 points, acquired before kick-off.
In the play-off table, Aigles du Congo (7 matches) and AS Maniema Union (8 matches) were the leading duo in the title race, with 18 points apiece. They are followed by Don Bosco (16 pts, 8 matches), V.Club (12 pts, 7matches), Lupopo (12 pts, 7 matches), TP Mazembe (10 pts, 7 matches), Motema Pembe (10 pts, 7 matches), Tanganyika (6 pts, 7 matches), Rangers and Simba (5 pts), Sanga Balende (2 pts, 6 matches) and AF Anges Verts trail behind.
A match within a match between two former V.Club goalkeepers
Left: Jackson Libanga Kialemanyiwa (DCMP) and Simon Omossola (Lupopo),
The duel between DC Motema Pembe of Kinshasa and Saint Eloi Lupopo of Lubumbashi was a match within a match between two former goalkeepers of Association Sportive Vita Club of Kinshasa. On the one hand, Jackson Libanga Kialemanyiwa, who after V.Club also went on to play for Association Sportive Maniema Union in Kindu, Association Sportive Dauphin Noir in Goma and Olympique Club Renaissance du Renaissance du Congo in Kinshasa, before joining Daring Club Motema Pembe. The other is Cameroonian Simon Omossola, who has been Saint Lupopo’s goalkeeper for almost three seasons now, after spending two years with Dauphins Noirs de Kinshasa on his return from his homeland.
While the former kept his clean sheet, the latter conceded the only goal of the game.