The long-awaited derby between AS V.CLUB and OC Renaissance du Congo closed the first leg of group B of the DRC honorary championship. Despite the imposed closed session, supporters were able to follow a match full of twists and turns.
From the first minutes, the suspense was there with a missed penalty by Elie Panzu of AS V.CLUB in the 7th minute. However, Arsène Mpongo quickly restored the balance by converting a penalty in the 34th minute for OC Renaissance du Congo.
The match then came alive with another penalty obtained by Jonathan Ikangalombo, who made his return after 9 months of inactivity. He himself converted the penalty to equalize in the 42nd minute.
In the second half, Elie Panzu gave AS V.CLUB the lead before Merdy Kafuti responded with a penalty in the 74th minute for OC Renaissance du Congo. Finally, Kika Bushikira, who entered the game, sealed the victory for AS V.CLUB by scoring in the 81st minute, on an assist from Elie Panzu.
This victory is all the more important for AS V.CLUB, which posted two consecutive defeats against Maniema Union and Etoile du Kivu. By closing the first phase with this success, the team hopes to regain its form and continue its momentum during the return phase of the championship.
As for OC Renaissance du Congo, despite the efforts made, the team has still not managed to obtain its first victory against its rival. However, she can be proud of her performance and hope to achieve victories in the next matches.
This derby certainly offered great emotions to Congolese football fans and shows the intensity of the competition in the DRC’s honorary championship. Supporters are impatiently awaiting the rest of the championship and the next confrontations between these two rival teams.