Busy weekend from Brussels to Valladolid
Congolese footballers scattered across five European leagues stepped into the spotlight this weekend. While some searched for rhythm after injuries, others added vital goals or defensive steel for clubs chasing promotion or survival. The common thread was minutes that keep them on the radar of national coach Paul Put.
- Busy weekend from Brussels to Valladolid
- Roméo’s ice-cold finish lifts Patro Eisden
- A tale of two La Louvière selections
- Captain Loemba sidelined as Namur slip
- Bidounga steers Lokomotiv through Sofia derby
- Bench frustration for Messi Biatoumoussoka
- Bassouamina’s welcome return sparks Pafos
- Gnali enjoys scoring festival with AEK Larnaca
- Ndockyt unused but Rijeka hold firm
- Spanish second tier offers mixed emotions
- Kembo waits as Cultural Leonesa climbs
- Louakima salvages point for Real Unión
- Eyes on national squad list
- What the numbers say
- Supporters react from Brazzaville
- Travel and broadcast tips for next week
- Why every minute matters
- The road ahead
Roméo’s ice-cold finish lifts Patro Eisden
Second-tier Belgium offered the loudest cheer. At Genk’s reserve side, forward Vancy Roméo turned a slick Rousseau cross into a crisp 43rd-minute strike that put Patro Eisden two ahead before half-time. Reduced to ten men, Genk folded 4-1. Roméo, substituted late to ovation, now boasts two goals this season (Pro League match report).
A tale of two La Louvière selections
Nine rounds into Belgium’s top flight, RAAL La Louvière left Dender with a goalless draw. Midfielder Alexis Beka Beka, still easing back after a thigh niggle, was not on the match sheet. Club staff underlined that the precaution aims to keep him fresh for the congested October calendar (club media).
Captain Loemba sidelined as Namur slip
Elsewhere in Division 2, Namur missed skipper Yannick Loemba’s drive for a second straight week. Stockay-Fusée exploited the void to snatch a 1-0 victory, silencing the Stade communal. Medical staff expect the veteran winger to resume full training mid-week if hamstring tests stay clear (Sudinfo).
Bidounga steers Lokomotiv through Sofia derby
In Bulgaria, Ryan Bidounga marshalled the Lokomotiv Sofia back line during a gripping 1-1 derby with CSKA. Booked just before the break for a robust tackle, the centre-back regrouped to repel late pressure. Coach Ivan Kolev saluted his “commitment that sets dressing-room standards” in the post-match conference (bTV Sport).
Bench frustration for Messi Biatoumoussoka
Fellow defender Messi Biatoumoussoka watched the same derby from the bench. The 25-year-old, aiming for his first senior cap, will hope mid-week cup fixtures offer the minutes needed to challenge Bidounga for a starting berth. Staff hint rotation is planned with three matches in eight days.
Bassouamina’s welcome return sparks Pafos
Cypriot leaders Pafos edged Olympiakos Nicosie 2-1 thanks in part to the late energy of Mons Bassouamina. Five weeks after an ankle sprain, the Brazzaville-born forward entered on 77 minutes, drawing fouls and relieving pressure. The cameo virtually guarantees him a place in Tuesday’s Champions League squad against Bayern (Cyprus Mail).
Gnali enjoys scoring festival with AEK Larnaca
Two minutes after Bassouamina’s return, Jérémie Gnali joined AEK Larnaca’s midfield for a comfortable 4-0 success at Krasava. Though not on the scoresheet, his passing helped preserve a clean sheet. Technical director Xavi Roca praised the youngster’s “quick decision-making that speeds our transitions” on the club’s social channels.
Ndockyt unused but Rijeka hold firm
In Croatia, Rijeka preserved a 1-1 draw against Istra without introducing Merveil Ndockyt. The coaching staff valued stability after an early equaliser, yet privately acknowledge the former Barça B man could inject creativity in upcoming fixtures. “Patience will pay,” assistant coach Sergej Jakirovic told reporters.
Spanish second tier offers mixed emotions
Jordi Mboula spent Sporting Gijón’s 3-4 thriller at Albacete in the stands as technical choice. Team-mate Pierre Mbemba entered on 86 minutes with Gijón hanging to a 3-2 lead; two late goals flipped the script. Coach Miguel Ramírez shielded the young defender, stressing “he executed the plan, the group collapsed collectively” (La Nueva España).
Kembo waits as Cultural Leonesa climbs
Further north, Cultural Leonesa beat Valladolid 1-0 to extend an unbeaten run. Winger Yann Kembo remained an unused substitute yet applauded supporters long after the final whistle, mindful of opportunities that congested autumn fixtures traditionally unlock in Segunda División.
Louakima salvages point for Real Unión
Fourth-tier Spanish action saw Corentin Louakima injected at the 58th minute as Real Unión chased an equaliser at Beasain. His overlapping runs stretched the defence until Unai Hernández headed home a precious 1-1 leveller. “He brought pace exactly where we needed,” coach Aitor Zulaika reflected post-game (Diario Vasco).
Eyes on national squad list
With Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resuming next month, the Congolese Football Federation will soon unveil an expanded list. Performances such as Roméo’s finish, Bidounga’s leadership and Bassouamina’s sharp recovery strengthen their candidacies. A trimmed roster is expected one week before the international window.
What the numbers say
Across the weekend, 10 Congolese internationals or hopefuls logged 434 combined minutes, scored once and received one yellow card. Four remained unused, underscoring fierce competition abroad. Yet consistent presence in matchday squads indicates robust depth that national selectors can tap without exhausting domestic clubs.
Supporters react from Brazzaville
In Brazzaville’s sports cafés, fans streamed highlights on mobile screens. “Seeing Roméo finish like that gives us hope for the qualifiers,” enthused Henri Mavoungou at Rond-Point Moungali. Others hailed Bassouamina’s fitness: “If he can press Bayern, he can press anyone,” smiled student Aïcha Bemba between sips of ginger juice.
Travel and broadcast tips for next week
Viewers eager to keep track can stream Lokomotiv Sofia’s mid-week cup tie on Balkan Sports at 16:00 local time, while Patro Eisden host Beveren on Eleven Belgium Friday night. Pafos-Bayern will be live on DISCOVER and replayed midnight on CRTV, handy for early commuters.
Why every minute matters
For many Red Devils, minutes abroad translate into livelihoods and pride back home. Solid club form often secures bonuses that support extended families in Pointe-Noire or Oyo. The national shirt, meanwhile, remains the ultimate dream. This weekend’s snapshots suggest the pipeline of talent continues to flow steadily.
The road ahead
Next weekend brings top-of-table clashes in Cyprus, a Bulgarian derby sequel and a Belgian promotion six-pointer. With injury rooms clearing, expect more Congolese names on team sheets. A goal here, a clean sheet there, and the Diables rouges will march into November with momentum and belief.
