** Drift at the top: the battle of the lame ducks of the Kinois derby **
The long -awaited shock between the black dolphins of Vclub and the Immaculate of the DCMP has left a bitter taste for all Congolese football enthusiasts. In a confrontation which should have been the coronation of the excellence of the king sport in Kinshasa, the end result of 1-1, recorded this Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the Martyrs stadium, rather testifies to an alarming stagnation of the two giants of the national championship.
** A first one-time half-time **
As soon as the Vclub team is kicked off, galvanized by a fervent crowd, showed a manifest intention to win, evidenced by the opening of the Lolando Masanga score in the 29th minute. The muscular attack and the possession of the ball are indicators that, despite his declining performance curve, VCLUL presented itself as the best version of oneself, at least in the first half. However, the clumsiness of DCMP attackers has been just as striking, preventing them from capitalizing on their rare occasions.
** A reaction of the Immaculate **
The second period, however, saw the roles reverse. DCMP, looking for his lost identity, has been able to show resilience. Barcley Bakadi, equalizing barely five minutes after the recovery, not only gave hope to his teammates, but he also constituted a symbol of the eternal determination of the Immaculate. This goal has revealed a crucial point: although in loss of speed, passion and fighting spirit remain palpable qualities within this team, often celebrated for its historical greatness.
** An alarming inventory **
However, beyond the score, this match reveals a series of deep issues. For Vclub, this marks a seventh consecutive match without a victory, a black series that raises questions about the technical direction of Youssouph Dabo. While such a performance was unimaginable there is barely a semester, the Muscovites are now confirmed in a whirlwind of doubts and dissatisfaction.
As for DCMP, with only 18 points in 18 games, the situation is even more critical. Ejected from the top 6, they seem to have lost this alchemy which one day made them a formidable adversary. Despite fervent supporters in the stands, efforts are not translated into results on the field, highlighting an imbalance between supporters’ expectations and the reality of competition.
** Statistical comparisons and tactical impacts **
At the championship level, this impasse raises questions. Historically, the duels between VCLUB and DCMP have often defined the podium and oriented title aspirations. This year, with 25 points for dolphins against 18 for the Immaculate, there is a gap which suggests a reversal of the dynamics. Indeed, the absence of a team that clearly dominates could promote less prestigious clubs that benefit from growing stability, making competition even more unpredictable.
Note that with an average of 1 point per game, DCMP approaches a performance far below its usual standards. This also raises reflections on the effectiveness of training and club recruitment processes, where the lack of renewal and innovation can have long -term harmful effects.
** Prospect of the future: what solutions? **
Beyond the reflections on the meeting itself, the decision-makers of the two entities must consider long-term strategies. Investing in youth coaches, strengthening collective play by continuous training and through more in -depth tactical analyzes becomes crucial.
In conclusion, this Kinshasa derby, who was to be the case of excellence, turned out to be a reflection of an uncertain future. The two clubs are at a decisive crossroads, where the struggle to find their letters of nobility could in the face of a choice spread between attenuating their weaknesses or exacerbating them, plunging into an identity crisis. The elixir of success seems to escape two heavyweights from Congolese football, leaving supporters in the expectant of better days.
Germain ngoy for fatshimetrie.org.