Blessing FC 2-1 FC Lubumbashi Sport: Mukendi and Kabeya Seal Vodacom Ligue 1 Derby Win

Blessing FC claimed a 2-1 victory over FC Lubumbashi Sport in the DR Congo Vodacom Ligue 1 on 26 October 2026, winning a fiercely contested Lubumbashi derby with goals from Junior Mukendi and Fabrice Kabeya. The home side led 2-0 before FC Lubumbashi Sport pulled one back through Patient Mwamba, setting up a tense finish in front of a passionate crowd.

The win gives Blessing FC an important three points and local bragging rights, while FC Lubumbashi Sport are left to reflect on a match in which they competed well but conceded at crucial moments. It was a derby full of intensity, quick transitions and spells of pressure from both sides.

Match overview

Blessing FC started with energy, pressing high and forcing FC Lubumbashi Sport into early mistakes. The home side’s movement in the attacking third caused problems, and their reward arrived in the 23rd minute when Junior Mukendi finished confidently after a well-worked move down the right. The goal settled Blessing FC, who controlled the tempo for much of the first half.

FC Lubumbashi Sport responded with a spell of pressure before the break, but they struggled to find a way through a compact defensive block. The visitors’ best moments came from set pieces and long-range efforts, but the final touch was missing. Blessing FC went into half-time with a narrow but deserved lead.

• Competition: DR Congo Vodacom Ligue 1
• Result: Blessing FC 2-1 FC Lubumbashi Sport
• Goals: Junior Mukendi 23, Fabrice Kabeya 61; Patient Mwamba 78

Key moments

Blessing FC doubled their advantage in the 61st minute with a goal that showcased their attacking quality. Fabrice Kabeya received the ball on the edge of the area, shifted it onto his stronger foot and curled a low effort beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. At 2-0, the home side appeared in control, but FC Lubumbashi Sport refused to fold.

The visitors pulled one back in the 78th minute when Patient Mwamba reacted quickest inside the box, turning home a loose ball after a corner had caused confusion in the Blessing defence. That goal transformed the mood of the match, and FC Lubumbashi Sport pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Blessing FC goalkeeper Héritier Kalala made a crucial save in the 87th minute, while a late header from a free-kick drifted just wide of the post. The hosts held on through four minutes of stoppage time to secure the win.

Tactical story

Blessing FC’s game plan was built on aggressive pressing and quick attacking transitions. They targeted the space behind FC Lubumbashi Sport’s full-backs and looked to get their forwards into the box early. The midfield trio worked hard to win second balls, and that control in the centre of the pitch allowed Blessing to dictate the rhythm for long periods.

FC Lubumbashi Sport improved after the break, pushing their wingers higher and committing more bodies forward. That shift created chances but also left gaps at the back, which Blessing FC exploited for the second goal. The visitors’ late goal made the final stages nervous, but Blessing’s defensive organisation and game management proved enough to see out the result.

Standout performers

Junior Mukendi was a constant threat for Blessing FC, opening the scoring and stretching the defence with his movement. Fabrice Kabeya’s second-half strike was the decisive moment of quality in the match, and his ability to create space in tight areas gave the hosts an edge. In midfield, Blessing’s captain controlled the tempo and helped his side manage the closing stages.

For FC Lubumbashi Sport, Patient Mwamba was the standout performer, scoring the goal that brought his team back into the contest and leading the line with energy. Their goalkeeper also made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable. However, the visitors will be disappointed with the way they conceded the second goal, which ultimately proved decisive.

Table impact and what comes next

The victory strengthens Blessing FC’s position in the Vodacom Ligue 1 standings and delivers a significant confidence boost in a local derby. FC Lubumbashi Sport will take encouragement from their second-half response but must tighten up defensively if they are to turn competitive displays into points. Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round of league fixtures, with Blessing FC eager to build momentum and FC Lubumbashi Sport determined to respond quickly.