Linafoot sets 20 October start for 32nd league edition

The Linafoot will open its 2026-27 season on 20 October, beginning the 32nd edition of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national top flight. The campaign starts without DCMP, whose sanctions from last season have kept it out, while US Tshinkunku is also missing from Group A.

Five matches are scheduled for the opening day. In Group A, FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo will host AS New Soger, CS Don Bosco will meet AS Malole, and AS Simba will welcome AS Saint-Luc. CS Manika will face Sanga Balende, while FC Tanganyika will play Blessing FC. The TP Mazembe-AS Butras fixture has been postponed, and Lubumbashi Sport will not play on the first day.

Group B’s opening programme includes the Aigles du Congo, last season’s runners-up, against returning Ligue 1 side FC MK. AS Dauphin Noir will meet Étoile du Kivu in a Kivu derby, while newcomers AF Ufalya Simba and Novakin FC will also make their competition debuts. On 21 October, AS Vita Club will host AC Rangers and Céleste FC of Mbandaka will face New Jak FC.

The first phase is due to finish between 19 and 23 December after 13 rounds. The return phase is scheduled to start on 20 January 2027 following a month-long break, with the regular season ending after the 26th round. Fixtures involving Maniema Union, Étoile du Congo and Étoile du Kivu have also been rearranged.