Congo Cup draw rescheduled as DCMP secures place among participating clubs

The draw for the 2026 Congo Cup will now take place on Saturday, 13 June, at the headquarters of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), following a postponement that was linked to uncertainty surrounding the participation of Daring Club Motema Pembe (DCMP).

The ceremony had initially been scheduled for 10 June but was delayed before a new date was confirmed.

Twenty-eight teams are set to take part in this year’s competition, including DCMP, whose inclusion has attracted particular attention following the club’s recent relegation to Ligue 2.

DCMP’s participation became a talking point after the first list of clubs entered into the tournament was released without the Kinshasa-based side being included.

The absence of one of the country’s most recognisable clubs prompted questions and ultimately contributed to the decision to postpone the draw.

The club will now have an opportunity to compete in the national cup despite a difficult season that ended with relegation.

For DCMP, the competition offers a chance to restore some pride and focus on a positive objective after disappointment in the league campaign.

The circumstances surrounding the club’s involvement in the Congo Cup are rooted in events that took place during the Kinshasa preliminary rounds earlier this year.

In January, DCMP were eliminated by FC Les Aigles du Congo under controversial circumstances.

The first leg between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, but the outcome of the tie was later influenced by an administrative dispute.

FC Les Aigles du Congo lodged a formal protest, arguing that DCMP players did not possess the licences required under Article 9 of the general sporting regulations.

The complaint became the central issue ahead of the return leg.

When the second match arrived, both teams were present at the venue.

However, FC Les Aigles du Congo declined to play and insisted that their protest first be addressed by the authorities.

The matter was subsequently reviewed by FECOFA, which ruled in favour of FC Les Aigles du Congo a few days later.

The decision confirmed their qualification and resulted in DCMP being eliminated from the preliminary stage.

The ruling created additional challenges for DCMP, particularly regarding player registration matters.

Despite those difficulties, the club continued to participate in the national championship using substitute administrative documents for players.

The episode remains one of the most discussed issues involving the club during the current season and explains why questions emerged when the list of participants for the Congo Cup was initially released.

Now, with the draw confirmed and DCMP included among the 28 competing teams, attention can turn back to the football itself.

The competition remains one of the most important domestic tournaments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and provides clubs with an opportunity to compete for silverware and national recognition.

Last season’s edition was won by AS Simba, who secured the trophy after defeating FC MK 1-0 in the final.

That victory also earned AS Simba a place in the preliminary rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The upcoming draw will determine the path each club must take in pursuit of this year’s title and the possibility of continental qualification that accompanies success in the competition.

For DCMP, the tournament arrives at a significant moment.

Following relegation and months of administrative challenges, participation alone represents an opportunity to begin rebuilding momentum.

With 28 teams awaiting their opponents and the draw now officially scheduled, attention will shift to FECOFA headquarters on Saturday, where the next chapter of the 2026 Congo Cup will begin.