The regular phase of Linafoot Ligue 1 concludes in spectacular fashion for Group A, highlighted by the absolute dominance of TP Mazembe and a hard-fought qualification for Simba, as the playoffs promise to be explosive. With 67 points in 27 matches, the Ravens of Mazembe reign as undisputed leaders, well ahead of Saint Éloi Lupopo (60 pts) and Don Bosco (53 pts), securing their place in the final stages. Simba, 4th with 50 points, can finally breathe after a chaotic campaign marked by draws and defeats, but a strong finish to the season propels them into the playoffs.
Playoffs in sight: suspense until the very end
Mazembe delivered a footballing masterclass throughout the season, with 21 wins, only 2 losses, and an iron defense conceding just 9 goals in 27 matches. Their impressive tally — 53 goals scored — reflects a well-oiled machine, as shown in their results against opponents such as Lupopo (2-1 first leg, return leg pending), Simba (1-1 first leg, 3-0 second leg), and Don Bosco (3-0). Saint Éloi Lupopo follows closely with 18 wins and 53 goals, but remains 7 points behind the leaders, confirming their status as a solid runner-up. Don Bosco completes the podium with 15 wins, ready to challenge the top teams in the playoffs.
Behind them, the battle for qualification spots kept fans on edge. Simba, despite 7 defeats and a sometimes fragile 5th place (43–50 points depending on updates), managed to turn things around thanks to 14 wins and a positive goal difference (+9). CS Manika (43 pts) and Lubumbashi (43 pts) are close behind, but it is Simba who secures the coveted spot, relieving their supporters after tense derbies against Mazembe. The qualified teams from Group A — Mazembe, Lupopo, Don Bosco, and Simba — promise intense playoffs, where every detail will count in the race for the national title.
This end to the regular phase highlights the growing competitiveness of Linafoot, with clubs like Blessing (41 pts) and Tanganyika (38 pts) narrowly missing out on qualification. Mazembe, accustomed to titles (multiple-time champions), is aiming for another continental and domestic double, while Simba dreams of finally shining. The playoffs open with a clear path for the favorites, but Congolese football always has surprises in store. All eyes are now on the निर्णing clashes to crown the 2025–2026 champion.