Nkhoma scores again as Mazembe draw with Lupopo in crucial tie

Malawian sensation Lanjesi Nkhoma continued his impressive goal-scoring form, netting a crucial header on Tuesday as TP Mazembe secured a point against local rivals St. Eloi Lupopo in a hard-fought encounter. The 1-1 draw sees Mazembe battling intensely for a coveted spot in the CAF club tournaments, currently sitting just outside the qualification places in the DRC league.

The highly anticipated match saw TP Mazembe, nicknamed “The Cheminots,” start with palpable determination. They pressed early, eager to secure a vital away win to boost their continental ambitions.

In the 2nd minute, a free-kick from 25 meters, taken by Mavungu, was well-saved by Lupopo’s goalkeeper, Siadi. Ndongala then attempted a long-range effort in the 8th minute, but it went wide. A golden opportunity arose for Bongeli in the 9th minute after a superb run, but his shot agonizingly found the side netting.

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However, it was Lanjesi Nkhoma who broke the deadlock, rising highest to powerfully head home and give Mazembe the lead. Lupopo, “The Corbeaux,” responded, with Douhaji heading off target in the 14th minute.

The game remained a tense affair, with Mujaya making crucial defensive interventions, including clearing a dangerous low cross for a corner in the 18th minute and making a goal-line save in the 27th minute as Mazembe continued to exert pressure. Lupopo launched a counterattack in the 31st minute, but Bongeli failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

The second half saw both teams vying for control. Lupopo earned their first corner of the half in the 55th minute. Siadi was called into action again in the 60th minute, pulling off a spectacular diving save to deny Kambu’s shot, pushing it wide for a corner.

A blow for Mazembe came in the 65th minute when Bongeli suffered an injury and had to be carried off the field. With 20 minutes remaining, substitute Patrick Mwaungulu, recently cleared to play after initial registration claims, showed his impact, putting the ball on Zon’s head, but the Burkinabé’s header was collected by the keeper. The hosts equalized in the 67th minute.

In the 73rd minute, Zon outmuscled the Lupopo defense in the box, but despite claims, no penalty was awarded.

Suleman Shaibu replaced Nkhoma in the 85th minute but the results remain the same.

TP Mazembe currently sits in third place in the Illicocash Ligue 1 with 32 points from 15 games, with 10 wins, 2 ties, and 3 losses. With only three teams qualifying for CAF tournaments from the DRC, every point is crucial.

TP Mazembe faces a busy schedule in their pursuit of continental qualification as they face Les Aigles du Congo on Thursday, June 26, 2025 before taking on Sanga Balende on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.