Europe & beyond: a busy weekend for Congolese players
Across several leagues, Congolese internationals and diaspora players logged minutes, scored, assisted, or watched from the stands. From Israel to Turkey, the weekend offered both highlights and frustration, with injuries and suspensions shaping selections as much as form.
Israel Premier League: Sakhnin wins despite absences
In Israel’s top flight, Bnei Sakhnin beat Netanya 2-1 in the 19th round. Durel Avounou did not feature due to injury, while Glid Otanga was not called up for the match, leaving the team to manage without two Congolese options.
Serie A Italy: Torino falls, Nkounkou stays in the stands
In Italy’s first division, Torino lost 0-2 at home to Roma on matchday 19. Niels Nkounkou did not take part and remained in the stands, as the game slipped away from the hosts without the Congolese player contributing on the pitch.
Italy Serie C Group C: Atalanta reserve hit by red cards
In Serie C, Group C, Atalanta Bergamo’s reserve side suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Salernitana on matchday 22. Reduced to 10 men early, then to nine late, they fought a difficult battle. Starter Digne Pounga was substituted in the 66th minute.
Malta Premier League: late changes, no breakthrough
In Malta’s top division, Marsaxlokk were heavily beaten 0-3 at Gzira on matchday 17. Christoffer Mafoumbi was a last-minute withdrawal due to a minor muscle tear and was replaced by Cremona.
Juvhel Tsoumou started on the bench and came on at half-time. Despite the fresh energy, Marsaxlokk could not find a goal, as Gzira kept control and finished the match with a clear three-goal margin.
Eredivisie Netherlands: late cameo in a seven-goal game
In the Netherlands’ first division, NEC Nijmegen won 4-3 away at Breda on matchday 19. With the score level at 2-2, Brayann Pereira entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute, joining a match that stayed open until the final whistle.
Dutch second division: Monzialo’s assist streak continues
In the Dutch second tier, Den Bosch lost 1-2 at home to Maastricht on matchday 23. Kévin Monzialo started and delivered another decisive contribution, providing an assist from a set piece situation to help his team level the score at 1-1.
His curling service from a long free-kick was redirected with a volleyed touch, lifting the ball into the path of Sille, who finished the equaliser. It was Monzialo’s ninth assist of the season, alongside 13 goals in 22 matches, underlining strong attacking output.
Swiss top flight: wins for Thun and Lausanne, Mazikou used off the bench
In Switzerland’s first division on matchday 20, Thun won 3-1 away at Grasshoppers Zurich. Christopher Ibayi was absent, watching from the stands after an injury that also kept him out of the winter break friendlies.
Lausanne also claimed a 3-1 away win at Young Boys Bern. Kévin Mouanga started in central defence, while Morgant Poaty stayed on the bench. Servette, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with FC Zurich, with Bradley Mazikou coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute.
Swiss second tier: Lausanne-Ouchy take three points
In Switzerland’s second division on matchday 18, Lausanne-Ouchy won 2-1 at Carouge. Exaucé Mafoumbi did not play and remained on the bench as his side managed the match to secure the three points away from home.
Turkey Süper Lig: Makouta scores, Makoumbou suspended
In Turkey’s first division on matchday 18, Alanyaspor lost 2-3 to Fenerbahçe, surrendering points in a tight contest. Gaïus Makouta started and scored Alanyaspor’s second goal with a near-post header from a corner in the 27th minute, his first league goal of the season.
Samsunspor drew 1-1 at Genclerbirligi. Antoine Makoumbou did not feature due to suspension following his red card in the Turkish Cup on January 6, leaving his team without his presence in midfield for this league fixture.
What to watch next for the Red Devils abroad
The weekend’s storylines were shaped by contrasting realities: key goals and assists on one side, and injuries, non-selections and suspensions on the other. For Congolese fans tracking the Red Devils abroad, the coming rounds will be closely watched for fitness returns and sustained form across leagues.