CAF Interclub Cups: Mixed results for Congolese clubs
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will have only two clubs in the group stage of the CAF club competitions this season, both of which are involved in the Champions League. However, both representatives in the Confederation Cup were eliminated early, leaving a mixed record that has provoked mixed reactions.
V. Club and Lupopo eliminated from the Confederation Cup
The Confederation Cup has not smiled on Congolese clubs this season. AS V. Club and FC Saint Éloi Lupopo, the two competing representatives, were both eliminated in the second preliminary round. V. Club, beaten in the first leg (2-0) by South Africans Stellenbosch, could only obtain a draw (1-1) in the return leg in Kinshasa, sealing their elimination. As for Lupopo, they were beaten by Angolans Bravo do Maquis, in the first leg (1-0) and the return leg (1-2), thus exiting the competition.
Two Congolese clubs in the Champions League
In the Champions League, the DRC will be represented by TP Mazembe and AS Maniema Union. Mazembe, semi-finalists of the last edition, validated their ticket by beating the Zambians of Red Arrows, with a victory in the first leg (2-0) and the return leg (2-1). For their part, Maniema Union created a surprise by eliminating the Angolans of Petro Atletico. After a 2-1 victory in Kinshasa, they held on with a 0-0 draw in the return leg in Luanda, thus marking a historic qualification for only their second participation in the Champions League.
Zero representatives in the Confederation Cup: a first in four years
This is the first time in four years that the DRC will not have any representatives in the group stage of the Confederation Cup. This setback is seen as a failure for Congolese football, and criticism has been levelled at the management of the National Football League (LINAFOOT).
LINAFOOT criticized for poor performance
The eliminations from the Confederation Cup have provoked negative reactions, particularly from some sports leaders. Vidiye Tshimanga, president of FC Les Aigles du Congo, strongly criticized LINAFOOT, claiming that it is responsible for the poor results of Congolese clubs. “LINAFOOT organizes its championship according to the names of the teams and not their level,” he said, also stressing that V. Club, in the midst of reconstruction, would have needed an active championship to prepare effectively.
Conclusion
Despite their eliminations in the Confederation Cup, TP Mazembe and AS Maniema Union will defend the colours of the DRC in the Champions League. Their opponents for the group stage will be known after the draw scheduled for 7 October. However, criticism of LINAFOOT shows that adjustments are necessary to strengthen the competitiveness of Congolese clubs in interclub competitions.
