Congolese Talent Takes Center Stage Midweek
From the lights of Marseille to a cold afternoon in Bedfordshire, Congolese talent across Europe delivered a captivating midweek. The senior Red Devils, their junior heirs, and the diaspora in England’s lower divisions each offered a glimpse of a talent pool that intrigues national team selectors.
Champions League Debut for Shining Bakola
Darryl Bakola, just 17 years old, was named in the starting lineup for the first time by Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday against Newcastle United, a stage many French prospects reach later in their careers. The midfielder, born in Clichy and eligible for Congo, met coach Gennaro Gattuso’s tactical demands with an assurance that belied his age.
His first half was largely clean until the 36th minute, when an awkward dive in the English penalty area halted a promising counter-attack. Slovak referee Ivan Kružliak brandished a yellow card for simulation. Rather than retreat, Bakola immediately regrouped, demanding the ball, tracking ball carriers, and refusing to let the booking define him.
Just seconds after the restart, his vision proved decisive. Receiving the ball in his own half, the teenager spotted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s diagonal run and delivered a 40-yard arcing pass behind Fabian Schär. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed out awkwardly; Aubameyang coolly lobbed into the empty net for the 1-1 equalizer.
Confidence grew. In the 55th minute, Bakola slalomed through midfield but opted for a safe pass to João Paulo ‘Paixão’, perhaps betraying his inexperience. Five minutes later, he slipped another measured ball to Timothy Weah, whose cross narrowly missed Mason Greenwood. Each sequence highlighted an expansive passing range.
The Vélodrome rose when Gattuso substituted him in the 62nd minute. Statisticians credited him with an 88% pass completion rate, three duels won out of four, three fouls drawn, and one assist. For a first continental prime-time start, these numbers resonate strongly in the Congolese Football Federation’s scouting reports.
In post-match interviews, Marseille captain Valentin Rongier highlighted the youngster’s composure: “Darryl listened, asked the right questions, and gave us verticality.”
Samba’s Youth League Goal Powers Manchester City
Earlier in the afternoon, the UEFA Youth League delivered its usual share of goals. Manchester City’s Under-19s dismantled Bayer Leverkusen 6-0 at the Academy Stadium, extending an unbeaten run that mirrors Pep Guardiola’s senior side and highlighting the depth of talent within the club’s global network.
Anglo-Congolese striker Floyd Samba came on in the 58th minute with the score already comfortable. Twelve minutes later, he slipped between the lines, collected a square pass from Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, and slotted the fifth goal with the inside of his foot past goalkeeper Samed Onur, prompting knowing smiles among the technical staff.
Samba’s brief cameo lasted just over half an hour but included fourteen touches, nine accurate passes, and two recoveries. Academy manager Brian Barry-Murphy praised his “effective movement in tight spaces,” adding that the teenager “brings a different rhythm” to City’s attack, a quality scouts rarely overlook.
Whether Samba chooses England or follows his roots to Congo remains open. National team coach Paul Put reiterated last month that the door “is always open to promising dual-nationals.” Performances like Wednesday’s strengthen Brazzaville’s case, especially with 2025 AFCON qualifiers on the horizon and attacking depth under debate.
Manchester City’s African links have grown under Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain. Early exposure to European competition accelerates development, and the Congolese federation is tracking every minute played. “These metrics help predict readiness for the top level more accurately than raw talent alone,” an analyst shared ahead of December’s technical committee meeting.
Makosso Bides His Time in Luton’s Promotion Push
In England’s third tier, Christ Makosso returned to Luton Town’s matchday squad after three home games watched from the stands. The Hatters won 2-1 against Huddersfield Town, but manager Nathan Jones resisted changing a settled defense, leaving the Congolese international to observe the tactical plans up close.
Makosso’s absence was tactical, not medical, insiders clarified. His aerial presence and right-footed distribution remain valued assets, but competition with Tom Lockyer and Reece Burke has intensified. Training reports indicate the 24-year-old is responding positively, shaving fractions of a second off sprint times recorded in August.
Technical advisor Sébastien Migné, reached by phone, welcomed the defender’s inclusion on the team sheet. “The minutes will come; the rhythm in a professional environment is what matters,” he stated. Congo’s next FIFA window in March could offer a natural target for Makosso to regain a starting spot.
Broadening Options for Red Devils Selectors
From Marseille’s grandeur to academy pitches and league matches, this week’s timeline underscores the breadth of Congo’s European footprint. Results may fluctuate, but each appearance, assist, or place on the bench adds a data point to Brazzaville’s evolving depth chart ahead of a busy 2024 schedule.
Collectively, these updates hint at a generation unafraid of elite arenas. For Congo, the challenge now is to channel this promise into consistent tournament performances.