Opening weekend buzz
New year, same passion: Ligue 1’s first weekend of 2026 offered a colourful showcase for the Congolese diaspora. From the thunderous atmosphere of the Vélodrome to a tense Paris derby, every minute was scanned back home by supporters of the Diables Rouges, with radio sets buzzing late.
Nantes stun Marseille
FC Nantes grabbed the headlines with a disciplined 2–0 triumph over Olympique de Marseille. The Canaries soaked up early pressure, then struck twice through a direct style that unsettled the ten-man hosts, a result that instantly shakes up the race for European spots this spring.
Key to Nantes’ clean sheet, Brazzaville-born centre-back Tylel Tati marshalled the back five with icy calm. He intercepted four crosses, won six aerial duels and repeatedly organised the offside trap. Local paper Ouest-France praised his ‘maturity well beyond his 24 years’ (Ouest-France, 6 January) in its report.
Mwanga anchors midfield
Just ahead of him, defensive midfielder Junior Mwanga covered extraordinary ground, especially when shading teenage star Mason Greenwood. Mwanga completed 87 percent of his passes, received a yellow card on 33 minutes for a tactical block, yet never lost his composure or positional discipline throughout proceedings Saturday.
Bakola left watching
Marseille’s plans unravelled when centre-half Bamo Meïté collected two quick cautions, leaving coach Gennaro Gattuso to improvise. Congolese youngster Darryl Bakola remained an unused substitute, the staff preferring experience to shore up the midfield once reduced to ten, a sensible but frustrating decision for the prospect.
Paris derby drama
In the capital, the Parc des Princes hosted a lively Paris derby ending 2–1 for PSG. The scoreline flatters the leaders, who clinched victory only through a stoppage-time free-kick. Paris FC could leave with pride intact and growing confidence for the relegation scrap this springboard battle.
Right-footed yet fielded on the opposite flank, Nhoa Sangui accepted the challenge. The 21-year-old produced six clearances, three tackles and a late surge that forced Gianluigi Donnarumma’s best save of the night. ‘He plays without fear,’ coach Stéphane Gilli applauded after the final whistle on Saturday evening.
Mixed fortunes on the Riviera
Along the Riviera, Nice and Strasbourg shared the points one-all, a result that left both camps unsatisfied. Brad-Hamilton Mantsounga watched the 90 minutes from the Nice bench, while Rabby Nzingoula did the same for Strasbourg, the pair waiting patiently for opportunities in the congested calendar to come soon.
In Brittany, Brest continued their solid run with a 2–0 dismissal of Auxerre. Rudy Matondo, younger brother of international forward Guy Mvouma, started for the visitors but was sacrificed on the hour as coach Christophe Pélissier chased an equaliser that never materialised under cold rain that day.
On the opposing bench, Bradley Locko had to bide his time before replacing left-back Kenny Lala on 86 minutes. The Brazzaville native immediately blocked one cross and launched a counter that nearly produced a third goal, evidence that his attacking instincts remain an asset for Brest fans.
Zinga stands tall for Angers
With first-choice keeper Ibrahim Koffi away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Angers handed Melvin Zinga only his second league start. The Franco-Congolese goalkeeper made five saves yet could not prevent a 2–1 loss at Le Havre, drawing warm applause from travelling supporters nonetheless for his bravery display.
Back home optimism
In Brazzaville’s buzzing sports cafés, highlights rolled non-stop on Sunday. ‘Seeing Tati dominate in Marseille gives every youngster on the Avenue des Trois Martyrs belief,’ explained youth coach Alain Bakana, whose neighbourhood academy follows Ligue 1 through satellite dishes and communal smartphones each weekend without fail there.
At the Congolese Football Federation headquarters, performance director Barthélémy Ngatsé monitored the statistics with optimism. ‘Regular minutes in a top European league sharpen tactical understanding,’ he noted, hinting that March’s international window could reward the most consistent performers with starting roles against Sudan in Brazzaville soon.
Building toward AFCON
The Diables Rouges enter 2026 determined to qualify for the next Africa Cup after narrowly missing the last edition. Greater exposure in Ligue 1 is viewed as a catalyst, providing high-tempo match rhythm and access to cutting-edge sports science unavailable in local championships back home now awaited.
Market value rising
For clubs, Congolese talent also represents smart business. Transfer fees remain moderate, wages reasonable, while potential resale value can soar, as seen with Chancel Mbemba’s move to Porto in 2022. Scouts from Germany and Belgium were present this weekend, notebooks filled with familiar surnames once again.
Fixtures to watch
Attention now pivots to next Sunday, when Nantes host Lyon and Paris FC travel to Nice. Should Tati string together another solid outing, whispers of a summer bid from Monaco may grow louder. Sangui, meanwhile, hopes to maintain his starting berth despite returning competition for places.
For supporters in Pointe-Noire or Dolisie, Canal+Sport remains the simplest legal broadcast, while several city bars have negotiated group packages to soften subscription costs. The federation’s social media will again post clip compilations on Monday morning, useful for students and workers on the go online.
Final whistle
The first French weekend of 2026 therefore ends with pride, lessons and fresh expectations for Congolese football. Whether guarding nets, breaking lines or commanding backlines, the diaspora continues to widen the nation’s talent pool, feeding dreams of a long-awaited return to continental glory for fans.
