Maniema Union Stuns TP Mazembe 2-1 in Lubumbashi Play-Off Clash

AS Maniema Union delivered one of the biggest results of the Linafoot play-offs, defeating TP Mazembe 2-1 in Lubumbashi on Sunday and dealing a major blow to the hosts' title ambitions, according to a report by Radio Okapi.

After a tightly contested first half, Maniema Union found the breakthrough in the 64th minute when Benny Namboka finished off a well-worked attacking move. The visitors continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 75th minute through Kazadi, putting the Kindu-based side firmly in control against one of the country's most successful clubs.

Mazembe struggled to break down a disciplined Maniema Union defense for most of the match. The Ravens pulled one goal back deep into stoppage time when goalkeeper Alioune Badara Diouf converted a penalty in the 90+3rd minute, but the late effort was not enough to prevent a damaging defeat.

The result reshapes the race for the Linafoot crown. Mazembe remain second on 20 points and missed a valuable opportunity to overtake leaders FC Les Aigles du Congo, who sit on 22 points.

Maniema Union climbed to fourth place with 16 points, keeping themselves firmly in contention as the championship enters a decisive phase.

Elsewhere in the play-offs, FC Les Aigles du Congo and AS V. Club played out a goalless draw in Kinshasa, while Saint Éloi Lupopo secured a convincing 3-0 victory over AS Simba. CS Don Bosco were also held to a 2-2 draw by bottom-placed FC Céleste, leaving the standings increasingly competitive heading into the next round of fixtures.