A weekend of rebounds for diaspora stars
The Red Devils of Congo-Brazzaville playing abroad flipped recent narratives, replacing frustration with celebration. Three continental leagues saw key moments: a clean sheet in the Bundesliga, a shock at Anfield, a League Two missile and an eye-catching debut goal on the shores of the Caspian.
Supporters in Brazzaville followed the action on streams and social networks, sharing clips that quickly went viral. Beyond the excitement, every minute logged abroad feeds coach Isaac Ngata’s scouting notebook for next year’s World Cup qualifying window.
With the local championship still on pause, many fans treat the diaspora programme as their weekend appointment, gathering in cafés or taxi radios to debate form and minutes. This round offered plenty to talk about.
Matsima and Massengo halt Augsburg slide
Augsburg stepped onto the WWK Arena turf under pressure after three straight defeats. Centre-back Chrislain Matsima answered with authority, winning six duels and clearing back-to-back crosses as the Bavarians edged Hamburg 1-0 (Bundesliga.de).
Alongside him in midfield, Han Noah Massengo brought composure, recycling possession at 90 percent accuracy before leaving on 73 minutes to applause. The narrow victory lifts Augsburg to mid-table comfort and, perhaps more important, shows that two Congolese youngsters can be reliable pillars in a top-five league.
German commentators underlined their chemistry: “Matsima anticipates, Massengo accelerates,” noted TV host Sebastian Hellmann. For the Brazzaville federation, such praise is an open invitation to reinforce future national-team calls.
Forest stuns Liverpool without Bakwa
In England, Dilane Bakwa sat out with a thigh strain, yet Nottingham Forest shocked Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, handing Jürgen Klopp’s men a sixth loss in seven outings (Premier League stats).
Forest’s bench still felt Congolese, staff waving a tricolour scarf at full-time in solidarity with their absent winger. Bakwa’s recovery is expected within two weeks, and insiders suggest coach Steve Cooper plans to slot him straight back to exploit his pace on the flanks.
The result propels Forest toward the league’s top half and reassures Congolese supporters that even injured, their compatriot rides a winning wave.
Hondermarck finds net in League Two
Across the Pennines, William Hondermarck lit up the fourth tier as Bromley beat Salford 2-0. Starting a fourth consecutive game, the midfielder doubled the lead on 32 minutes, meeting a high cross with a pivoting right-foot volley that fizzed into the far corner.
The strike—his first of the season—sent the home crowd into raptures and earned man-of-the-match honours on the EFL’s social channels. Hondermarck later joked “I’ve been practising that in Croydon parks” before reminding reporters of his dream: “Wearing the Congo jersey at Stade Massamba-Débat.”
His compatriot Loick Ayina missed the contest, staying home as a precaution for a minor ankle knock.
Minutes scarce for Makosso and Ayina
Further north, Luton Town’s Christ Makosso endured a fourth straight omission as his side collapsed 5-0 at Barnsley in League One. Coaching staff cited tactical choices, but fans online clamoured for his return, arguing the defence lacks his athletic recovery speed.
Likewise, Huddersfield loanee Ayina continues to battle for fitness. The pair’s current frustration contrasts the weekend’s brighter stories, yet their potential keeps them in the national mix. Diaspora careers, like seasons, often swing suddenly.
Azerbaijan thrills: Nsana’s debut strike
On the Caspian, Simon Nsana enjoyed a memorable afternoon. Introduced on 69 minutes with Sumqayit trailing 3-1 and down to ten men, the former Nantes trainee curled a right-foot shot into the far side netting, his maiden goal in the Azerbaijan Premier League (PFL Azerbaijan).
Sumqayit missed a penalty soon after and finally bowed 4-2 to champions Qarabag, yet locals left the stadium buzzing about the Congolese substitute’s technique. Meanwhile, Domi Massoumou saw his own side Qabala fall 1-0 to Zira after a VAR-awarded penalty was squandered.
Table maths tell contrasting stories: Sumqayit sit fifth on 20 points, firmly in the top half, whereas promoted Qabala languish 11th with just five.
What the weekend means for Congo fans
From the Bundesliga to Baku, Congolese talent demonstrated resilience, adaptability and flair. Goals from Hondermarck and Nsana break personal ceilings, while Matsima’s defensive calm hints at leadership qualities prized by national selectors.
Coach Ngata is expected to release a preliminary squad list next month. Performances like these strengthen individual cases and inspire youth players watching from Makélékélé or Pointe-Noire academies.
As one supporter tweeted after the final whistle in Germany: “They play abroad, but every tackle, every goal feels like it’s scored for us back home.” The coming weeks promise more storylines—and perhaps more viral clips—to keep that pride alive.
