TP Mazembe’s Continental Dreams Shattered After Linafoot Setback

TP Mazembe’s hopes of featuring in next season’s CAF Champions League have been dealt a crushing blow after the Congolese giants failed to defend their Vodacom Linafoot title.

The Lubumbashi-based club finished fifth in the National Championship play-offs following a disappointing draw against Aigles du Congo on Saturday. The result means Mazembe will miss out on both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup next season, a shocking first for the club since 1967.

In the Vodacom Linafoot structure, nine teams advance from the group phase, six from Group A and three from Group B, to compete in the play-offs that determine continental slots. Champions Aigles du Congo will now represent the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the CAF Champions League, while runners-up AS Maniema Union will play in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Mazembe had earlier lodged an appeal against Linafoot’s decision to dock them six points over the registration of player Mwaungulu, but the appeal was dismissed last week. The club has since escalated the matter to the Federation of Congolese Football Associations (FECOFA), hoping the national football body will overturn the league’s ruling.

In a statement, TP Mazembe expressed confidence that FECOFA would side with them, maintaining that all proper registration procedures were followed.

“TP Mazembe acknowledges the incomprehensible decision made on our appeal on Thursday evening, June 26, by Linafoot and confirms that it is immediately requesting its reversal by the Congolese Football Federation,” the club said.

“Since the player’s arrival at CS Don Bosco, TP Mazembe referred to the documents provided by FECOFA for the player’s registration. With all supporting documents attached to the appeal, Linafoot has completely changed direction by delving into a matter beyond its control.

“TP Mazembe is going into the appeal to demonstrate its ability to respect the rules and secure hard-earned points on the pitch.”

The club’s fate now hangs on FECOFA’s decision, which could either salvage their continental ambitions or seal their absence from Africa’s top competitions for the first time in nearly six decades.