Congolese clubs continue to shine on the African scene of interclub competitions. This week, TP Mazembe and FC Saint Éloi Lupopo are in the running to secure their qualification in the group stage in the CAF Champions League and CAF Cup respectively.
TP Mazembe, one of the most prestigious clubs on the continent, will face the Malawians Nyassa Big Bullets this Saturday. After winning the first leg 4-0, the Ravens are in an ideal position to qualify and will be hoping for a home win to secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
For their part, the players of FC Saint Éloi Lupopo will have a more difficult challenge to overcome. After losing the first leg 3-1 against the South Africans Sekhukune United, they will have to make a comeback in the return match which will be played on Sunday at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. However, entry will be free for this match, thus encouraging Congolese supporters to flock to the stadium to support their team.
The Minister of Sports, François Kabulo Mwana Kabulo, also launched an appeal to all Congolese in a video on the ministry’s official Facebook page. He stressed the importance of supporting FC Saint Éloi Lupopo, which will play in the capital Kinshasa, far from its stronghold of Lubumbashi.
These two meetings therefore promise to be key moments for Congolese clubs in their journey in African competitions. TP Mazembe hopes to confirm its supremacy and reach the group stages of the Champions League while FC Saint Éloi Lupopo will try to reverse the situation and qualify for the CAF Cup.
Congolese football fans will not miss these meetings and will be in the stands to support their teams. African football is booming and Congolese clubs have their place among the best. Let us hope that these meetings will take place in a sporting spirit and that the performances of Congolese players will continue to shine on the continent.