Article: “LINAFOOT launches its 29th edition despite interference from the Ministry of Sports”
The National Football League (LINAFOOT) started the 2023 edition of its championship this Wednesday, August 23, despite the obstacles encountered with the Ministry of Sports. Three matches were played simultaneously in different cities of the country: Bukavu, Kolwezi and Kinshasa.
In group B, the first match took place at the Concorde de Kadutu stadium in Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu. The local team, Etoile du Kivu, unfortunately lost at home to Celeste FC of Mbandaka with a score of 0-1. The goal was scored by Kapela Ndungwisi in the 47th minute, making him the first scorer of this 29th edition of LINAFOOT.
In group A, it was at the Dominique Diur stadium in Kolwezi, in the province of Lualaba, that the meeting between AS Simba and TP Mazembe took place. TP Mazembe won with a single goal scored by Fily Traore in the 50th minute, sealing the score at 0-1 in their favour.
Finally, in Kinshasa, at the Technical Center Baudouin Kurara Mpova, the Aigles du Congo, newly promoted in this championship, faced AS Maniema Union. Unfortunately, they were beaten 0-1, with a goal scored by Paru Ilunga Tshibanda in the 67th minute.
Despite the circular from the Secretary General for Sports prohibiting the organization of activities in the country’s stadiums, LINAFOOT took the decision to launch its championship. This choice goes against government directives, but LINAFOOT seems determined to offer football fans the competition they have been waiting for.
This controversial launch of the 29th edition of LINAFOOT has sparked debates about the takeover of sport by the authorities. This gesture of defiance by LINAFOOT towards the Ministry of Sports highlights the tensions between the world of sport and the political administration.
It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what the consequences will be for LINAFOOT and the teams involved in the championship. One thing is certain, Congolese football fans can’t wait to follow the next matches and see which team will lift the trophy of the 29th edition of LINAFOOT. The development of this case will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days