AS Vita Club held in Kinshasa derby as FC Lupopo maintains strong form
AS Vita Club endured another frustrating evening in the Kinshasa derby after being held to a 1-1 draw against DCMP, while FC Saint Éloi Lupopo continued their impressive run with a crucial away victory over US Tshinkunku in DR Congo’s Ligue 1.
AS Vita Club drops points in capital showdown
The Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte played host to the much-anticipated Kinshasa derby, where AS Vita Club was forced to settle for a draw against city rivals DCMP.
The result proved costly for Vita, who missed a vital opportunity to strengthen their position in Group B.
The match started on a positive note for the Black Dolphins, who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute.
A defensive lapse in the DCMP penalty area saw Lolendo Masanga react quickest, slotting the ball home to give AS Vita Club a deserved lead.
With the advantage at halftime, Vita appeared well-positioned to secure all three points.
However, DCMP emerged from the break with renewed determination and found an equalizer in the 50th minute through Barcley Bakadi.
A well-worked attacking move ended with Bakadi finishing clinically, leaving Vita Club to rue their missed chances.
Despite dominating possession in the latter stages, Vita was unable to restore their lead, and the match ended in a frustrating stalemate.
The draw leaves AS Vita Club in fifth place in Group B with 25 points from 17 matches.
With the race for the top spots heating up, they will need to bounce back quickly to avoid falling further behind the league’s frontrunners.
FC Lupopo extends unbeaten streak
Meanwhile, FC Saint Éloi Lupopo continued their strong campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Union Sportive Tshinkunku.
The win further solidifies their place near the top of the standings as they keep pace with leaders TP Mazembe.
The game was decided by a moment of brilliance from Harvy Ossete, who fired home a stunning strike in the 30th minute.
His precise shot rocketed under the crossbar, leaving Tshinkunku goalkeeper Mutima with no chance.
Despite Tshinkunku’s efforts to find a way back into the contest, Lupopo’s defense held firm.
A well-organized and disciplined backline ensured their narrow lead remained intact, securing another vital three points.
With this victory, FC Lupopo remains in second place with 47 points, trailing league leaders TP Mazembe by just three points.
Their consistency in recent weeks has kept them in strong contention as the title race intensifies.
Ligue 1 results:
Group A:
- US Tshinkunku 0-1 FC Lupopo
Group B:
- AS Vita Club 1-1 DCMP
As the season progresses, both AS Vita Club and FC Lupopo will be aiming to maintain their momentum, with crucial fixtures ahead that could shape the final standings.
