Augsburg Ends Negative Streak in Bundesliga
FC Augsburg ended a worrying streak on the eleventh matchday of the Bundesliga, securing a 1-0 win against Hamburger SV at the WWK Arena. This victory halts a run of three consecutive defeats and restores confidence to the Bavarian team, which is fighting to stay in the middle of the table.
Congolese center-back Chrislain Matsima, on loan from Monaco, anchored the defense for 90 minutes. His anticipation and aerial authority countered HSV’s direct play, allowing Augsburg to preserve the early lead taken just before halftime thanks to a precise header from Ermedin Demirović.
Coach Jess Thorup also entrusted the holding midfield role to Han Noah Massengo. The former Bristol City player recycled possession effectively until his substitution in the 73rd minute, a precautionary change according to the club’s staff.
Forest Pulls Off Surprise Against Liverpool in Premier League
In the Premier League, Nottingham Forest created the surprise of the twelfth matchday by beating Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield. This result pushes Forest closer to the comfort of mid-table.
Forward Dilane Bakwa missed the trip due to injury but still found a reason to celebrate in the dressing room via a video call, as revealed by his teammates. Manager Steve Cooper praised the influence of the absent winger, noting that his pace and pressing intensity have “raised the standard in training since August.”
Forest’s efficiency came from a brace by Taiwo Awoniyi and a powerful strike from Morgan Gibbs-White. Assistant coach Steven Reid highlighted the strength of the bench. “Bakwa’s return, hopefully after the international break, will give us an extra weapon,” he said after the match.
Hondermarck Scores First Goal for Bromley
The biggest Congolese smile in England belonged to William Hondermarck, whose volley secured a 2-0 win for Bromley over Salford City in League Two. Starting for a fourth consecutive match, the 23-year-old player slipped between the center-backs and swiveled to double the lead in the 32nd minute.
It was his first goal of the season and highlighted the growing confidence placed in him by manager Andy Woodman. “He has athleticism, but what I like is his composure in choosing passes,” said Woodman, praising the midfielder’s ability to break lines.
Loick Ayina, nursing a hamstring strain, was not on Bromley’s team sheet. The club’s medical staff expects the defender to resume full training within ten days.
Nsana Scores in Azerbaijani Comeback Attempt
Further east, the Azerbaijani Premier League offered a thrilling spectacle. Sumqayit FK, down to ten men and trailing 1-3, saw substitute Simon Nsana place a sumptuous strike into the top corner in the 72nd minute, his first goal since moving from the Nantes academy to the shores of the Caspian.
The comeback gained momentum when Qarabag conceded a penalty five minutes later, but Mehdi Jannatov diverted Rashad Eyyubov’s shot. “We only lacked luck,” said coach Samir Abbasov after the match.
Despite the 2-4 defeat, Sumqayit remains fifth with 20 points, their best start in five seasons. Nsana credited the club’s confidence: “They told me to express myself. That confidence pushed me to shoot.”
Missed Penalty for Massoumou’s Qabala
Elsewhere, Domi Massoumou’s Qabala fell 0-1 at home to Zira FK. Deployed on the left wing, the attacker won a penalty in the 27th minute after a VAR review, but Mahamadou Sangaré’s attempt grazed the outside of the post.
Massoumou, who covered a lot of ground, was substituted to applause in the 88th minute. This result leaves Qabala with five points, level with bottom side Kapaz but ahead on goal difference, as the promoted team adapts to the intensity of the top flight.
Next Steps for the Congolese Contingent
From Bavaria to the Caspian, the weekend highlighted the diversity of Congolese talents shaping European competitions. With decisive goals, clean-sheet contributions, and the promise of injury returns, the national technical staff will closely monitor these performances ahead of the next selection window for the Red Devils.
Upcoming matches promise new tests: Augsburg will travel to Hoffenheim next Saturday, Forest will host Aston Villa, Bromley will face Walsall in a tricky away fixture, while Sumqayit will host Sabah aiming to protect its top-five spot. Each match offers the Congolese players another stage to strengthen their case ahead of the crucial November international break.