Ligue 1’s 17th Matchday Highlights Congolese Talent
From the Atlantic coast of Nantes to the Mediterranean cheers of Marseille, several Congolese internationals and dual-nationality prospects opened Ligue 1’s 2026 calendar with performances ranging from dominant to more subdued, offering new clues about the depth of Congo-Brazzaville’s footballing talent pool.
The 17th matchday produced a significant away win for FC Nantes, a tight Parisian derby, and late drama on the Channel coast, each involving players eligible for the Diables Rouges. National team selectors were watching closely, aware that the Africa Cup of Nations is just weeks away.
Nantes Stun Marseille with Tati as Anchor in Five-Man Defense
In the south, Nantes pulled off a surprise by beating Olympique de Marseille 2-0 in a buzzing Vélodrome, protecting their early lead with a compact five-man defense orchestrated by 20-year-old Tylel Tati. The center-back, a product of the Tchikapik Academy, rarely looked troubled, winning three aerial duels and clearing twice off the line.
“He anticipates danger early and stays calm under pressure,” the manager said after the match, noting that Tati also completed 88% of his passes despite the Vélodrome’s whistles. The sports daily gave the Brazzaville-born defender a rating of seven, higher than any other Nantes outfield player.
Just ahead of him, defensive midfielder Junior Mwanga covered ground relentlessly, particularly against Mason Greenwood’s inside runs. Mwanga’s proactive tackle earned him a yellow card in the 33rd minute, but the Bordeaux academy graduate finished with nine recoveries, the highest total on his team according to OPTA stats released overnight.
Positive Notes for Congolese Talents in Parisian Derby
Marseille, reduced to ten men after Jordan Veretout’s red card, did not call upon Darryl Bakola from the bench. The 18-year-old striker, who debuted for the Congolese U-23s last March, watched his teammates struggle to break down the Nantes block, a reminder of the fierce competition for minutes in attack.
In the capital, the Parc des Princes hosted its first official Parisian derby in two decades. Paris FC held on for an hour but fell 2-1 to champions PSG. Right-back Nhoa Sangui, deployed on the opposite flank, contained Nuno Mendes before fatigue set in.
“Playing left-back since pre-season helps me switch quickly,” Sangui said in the mixed zone. His ball progression numbers – four carries into the final third – were the best among Paris FC defenders, an encouraging sign as national team coach Isaac Ngata reviews his options for the wing-back position ahead of June’s qualifiers.
Bench Roles for Mantsounga and Nzingoula
On the home bench, Brad-Hamilton Mantsounga, a PSG academy graduate, remained an unused substitute, while Strasbourg’s Rabby Nzingoula experienced the same frustration in the 1-1 draw at Nice. Both defensive prospects have logged fewer than 150 professional minutes this season but retain high potential according to their coaches.
The Nice manager said the club is “carefully managing” Mantsounga’s transition from youth level, mentioning planned strength and conditioning work during the winter break. In Alsace, the Strasbourg coach praised Nzingoula’s “maturity in training,” suggesting opportunities could arise once the busy February schedule begins.
Matondo Gets Minutes, Locko Decisive Late On
In Brittany, Auxerre’s Rudy Matondo, younger brother of international winger Silvère, started on the right wing but had a tough afternoon in the 2-0 defeat at Brest. Substituted on the hour mark, the 19-year-old completed 17 passes but failed to be involved in a single shot.
His opposite number Bradley Locko, who shares Congolese roots but currently represents the French U-21s, came on at left-back in the 86th minute and helped Brest preserve the clean sheet. According to staff, Locko’s file remains open with the Congolese federation, though no formal switch request has been filed.
Zinga Shines in Goal at Le Havre
The day’s final headline concerned goalkeeper Melvin Zinga, thrust into Angers’ starting eleven at Le Havre as first-choice Jean-Louis Leca and Ivorian international Koffi are at an AFCON camp. Zinga made five saves, including a point-blank stop from Josué Casimir, but Angers lost 2-1.
The manager praised the Franco-Congolese keeper’s “leadership in a hostile environment,” hinting he would keep the gloves as long as Koffi is away. The goalkeeping coach added that Zinga’s distribution – 26 accurate long passes – fits the possession style the club wants to perfect this spring.
Zinga, whose mother is from Pointe-Noire, said he remains “available if Congo calls,” but prefers to focus on his club form before making an international decision. His emergence bolsters a position where veteran Christoffer Mafoumbi started the last two qualifying matches.
AFCON Selection Race Heats Up
With the continental tournament on the horizon, national team coach Paul Put will release a provisional squad next month. Ligue 1 playing time, like that earned by Tati, Mwanga, or Zinga, could carry significant weight, especially as several Europe-based regulars face uncertain club situations or end-of-season fatigue.
For fans in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, this mixed weekend served as both comfort and warning: talent is abundant, opportunities less so. Regular playing time by mid-February could determine who boards the plane for AFCON and who watches from afar.