Weekend snapshot of Red Devils abroad
Supporters of Congo’s national side kept a close eye on four European championships this weekend. From back-post volleys in Bern to a counter-attack in Konya, Congolese players multiplied decisive gestures that could count for upcoming national-team call-ups, while offering valuable points to their clubs.
- Weekend snapshot of Red Devils abroad
- Prestige Mboungou’s late push in Serbia
- Christopher Ibayi lights up Swiss top flight
- Servette stumble, Lausanne rebound
- Thriller in Swiss second division
- Andzouana and Makoumbou decisive in Turkey
- Ukrainian endurance test for Jerry Yoka
- What it means for the national setup
- Looking ahead
Prestige Mboungou’s late push in Serbia
The 14th matchday in the Serbian Super Liga saw winger Prestige Mboungou come off the bench for TSC Topola Backa on 62 minutes. His speed immediately stretched Javor’s tiring defence and nearly produced a winner at 88, when he slid centimetres short of tapping in at the far post.
The 1–1 draw still keeps TSC in touch with the European places, and Mboungou’s cameo underlined why the coaching staff value his capacity to change rhythm against compact blocks.
Christopher Ibayi lights up Swiss top flight
Few players in the Swiss Super League appear as confident as Christopher Ibayi right now. Facing Sion, the forward first shook the visitors by heading a corner against the upright. Three minutes later, on 39, he adjusted perfectly at the second post to smash home the equaliser.
That seventh goal of the season woke up an otherwise subdued Thun side. Ibayi then showed his all-round game after the hour mark, angling a bicycle-style flick toward Kevin Rastoder, whose cool finish sealed a 2–1 comeback victory.
Promoted only last summer, Thun surprisingly top the table with a six-point cushion over Basel. In the stands, Bernese supporters saluted Ibayi’s name well after the final whistle, acknowledging the role his goals play in their dream start.
Servette stumble, Lausanne rebound
Elsewhere in Switzerland, fortunes contrasted for Congolese defenders. At Winterthur, Bradley Mazikou covered the left flank for 90 minutes but could not prevent Servette from falling 4–2. The Geneva club remain ninth on 14 points, still searching for consistency.
Lausanne, however, grabbed a morale-boosting 2–1 win in Zurich. Centre-back Kevin Mouanga marshalled the defence with authority, receiving a booking on 55 for a tactical foul yet keeping the champions at bay. Coach José Braga praised his aerial presence post-match.
Fellow Congolese full-back Morgan Poaty entered on 78 to help lock the result. Lausanne move to eighth, one point above Servette, and believe this disciplined display can spark a climb away from the lower half.
Thriller in Swiss second division
Drama was equally intense one tier below. Lausanne-Ouchy trailed Nyon 3–1 until the 71st minute but exploited a red card to haul back a 3–3 draw. Goalkeeper Exaucé Mafoumbi watched from the bench, yet his loud encouragements echoed around the Stade municipal as the hosts salvaged a point.
Andzouana and Makoumbou decisive in Turkey
In the Turkish Süper Lig, Samsunspor delivered its most complete away performance this season, winning 3–1 at Konyaspor. Right-back Yhoan Andzouana endured a shaky start, losing a ball that led to the opener after only five minutes, but responded with character.
Minutes later he curled a teasing pass that Enis Bardhi missed by inches, then served a pinpoint cross forcing keeper Erhan Kocuk into a reflex save. On 41 he almost scored himself, sliding just shy of Bardhi’s centre at the far post.
The turning point arrived on 59: Andzouana intercepted a loose touch, accelerated through midfield and fed Umut Nayir for the crucial 3–1. His compatriot Antoine Makoumbou anchored midfield throughout, breaking plays and collecting a late booking for time management deep into added time.
Their combined control of flanks and centre allowed Samsunspor to climb the table and ease the pressure after a turbulent start to the campaign.
Ukrainian endurance test for Jerry Yoka
Further east, the reserve side of Polissya Zhytomyr drew 0–0 with Sambir-Nyva-Ternopil in Ukraine’s third tier. Jerry Yoka, preferred in the starting XI, exited on 44 as the staff sought fresh legs under cold drizzle. His early work rate nonetheless helped contain a direct opponent known for late runs.
The stalemate leaves Polissya mid-table but offers Yoka minutes that could prove valuable if first-team opportunities arise. Observers noted his clean passing under pressure, an encouraging sign after his recent recovery from minor knocks.
What it means for the national setup
With 2026 World Cup qualifiers back on the horizon, the Congolese technical unit will note Ibayi’s scoring streak, Andzouana’s resilience, and Mouanga’s authority. These performances build a wider pool around captain Chancel Mbemba and suggest healthy competition in every sector of the pitch.
Looking ahead
Next weekend offers fresh tests: Thun travel to Basel for a top-of-the-table clash, while Samsunspor welcome title candidates Galatasaray. Fans in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire will stream every minute, hungry for new evidence that their diaspora continues to grow in stature across Europe.
