DRC topflight “Linafoot” 2016/17 title will be decided on the final day after TP Mazembe and AS Vita Club won their penultimate fixtures Sunday.
Holders Mazembe remained on course to a 16th crown after walloping Muungano 3-0 in Kadutu, while Vita edged former giants Daring Club Motema Pembe 1-0 in Kishasa to keep their hopes alive.
Both teams are tied at the helm of the seven-team playoffs standings on thirty points; however, Mazembe enjoys a superior goal difference.
DCMP, who have played all their matches finish third on twenty seven points – earning themselves a spot in the CAF Confederations Cup next year.
In Kadutu, Mazembe showed adoptability – drubbing hosts Muungano 3-0 on dry and bumpy Concorde Stadium.
Defender Kevin Mondeko headed the Ravens in the lead with fourteen minutes played to crown an early dominance by the five-time African Champions.
Prodigy Ben Malango doubled the lead in the twenty fourth minute – punishing poor goalkeeping from Muungano’s shot stopper Justin for 2-0 half time score.
Zambian Nathan Sinkala finished off a tantalizing combinational play involving Jean Kasusula and Meschak Elia for the third and the final in the sixty eighth minute.
Mazembe Coach Pamphine Mihayo continued with his youth centric approach – handing Moise Katumbi Academy’s graduate Jackson Muleka his senior debut in the 78th minute – replacing goal scorer Malango.
In the capital Kinshasa, Yannick Bangala’s thirtieth minute header from a corner kick, handed the Coach Florent Ibenge’s side the slim win at the Martyrs Stadium.
Danger-man Etekiama Agiti Tady missed from the spot in the dying minutes of the game.
Mazembe will host Vita at their backyard in Lubumbashi in the title decider already billed as do or die. Both have secured spots in next year’s CAF Champions League.
