Aigles du Congo edged out Saint Eloi Lupopo 3-2 in a thrilling Vodacom Ligue 1 encounter on June 3, 2026, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The home side produced a spirited second‑half display to overturn a deficit and claim a vital victory in the DR Congo top flight.

Match Overview

Playing under the lights at one of the continent’s most iconic venues, Aigles du Congo started brightly but found themselves behind after a well‑taken Lupopo opener. The visitors from Lubumbashi, known for their disciplined structure, capitalised on a defensive lapse midway through the first half to take the lead. However, the Eagles responded with character, levelling before the interval through a composed finish from striker Jean‑Paul Kabongo.

The second half exploded into life as Aigles du Congo surged forward. Goals from Héritier Luvumbu and a stunning free kick by Meschack Elia put the home team 3‑1 ahead. Saint Eloi Lupopo refused to wilt, pulling one back in the 78th minute through a header from captain Nelson Lukombe, but Aigles du Congo held on for a deserved win.

Key Moments

• 24’ – Lupopo strike first: A swift counter‑attack ended with striker Idrissou Moussavou slotting past the goalkeeper.
• 39’ – Kabongo equalises: A clever through ball split the Lupopo defence, and Kabongo finished low into the corner.
• 52’ – Luvumbu puts Aigles ahead: A driving run and powerful left‑footed drive from the edge of the box.
• 67’ – Elia’s exquisite free kick: From 25 yards, the winger curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner.
• 78’ – Lukombe header: A corner kick was met firmly by the Lupopo captain, setting up a nervous finale.

Tactical Story

Aigles du Congo coach Pascal Mulopo switched to a more aggressive 4‑3‑3 after the opening goal, pushing full‑backs higher to provide width. The change overloaded Lupopo’s midfield and created space for the wingers to isolate full‑backs. Conversely, Saint Eloi Lupopo’s reliance on a compact 4‑4‑2 became vulnerable once they lost the lead – their midfield dropped too deep, allowing the home side’s creative trio to dominate.

Lupopo’s inability to deal with set‑pieces also proved costly; Elia’s free‑kick was the second goal conceded from a dead‑ball situation in the match.

Standout Players

• Meschack Elia (Aigles du Congo): The winger was a constant menace, scoring one goal and providing the assist for Kabongo’s equaliser.
• Jean‑Paul Kabongo (Aigles du Congo): His movement and finish kept the Eagles in the game at a crucial moment.
• Nelson Lukombe (Saint Eloi Lupopo): Scored a late header and led by example in central defence, making several clearances under pressure.

Season Impact

The victory moved Aigles du Congo into the top four of the Vodacom Ligue 1 standings, strengthening their bid for a CAF inter‑club qualification spot. For Saint Eloi Lupopo, the defeat snapped a five‑match unbeaten run and left them in mid‑table, though their resilient performance showed they remain a dangerous side on the road.

With the league race heating up, this 3‑2 thriller at the Stade des Martyrs will be remembered as one of the most entertaining matches of the 2025–26 season.