Congolese Diaspora Weekend Roundup
From Krakow to St. Gallen, Congolese professionals experienced a mix of drama, discipline, and decisive finishing. The latest matchday offered new clues on form as national team scouts monitor candidates for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month. For club managers, every minute now counts for the weight of the season.
The headline story came in the Swiss Alps, where Christopher Ibayi’s sixth goal propelled newly-promoted Thun to the top of the Super League. Elsewhere, Gabriel Charpentier remained on the bench in Poland, Beni Makouana was absent in the Czech Republic, and several squad players earned useful late minutes.
Overall, the weekend highlighted how the depth of the Congolese talent pool is widening across mid-table European competitions. While none of these outings rival the visibility of French Ligue 1, the regular contributions from Scandinavia to the Balkans keep the red shirt of the Republic of Congo visible on multiple scoreboards.
Frustration in Ekstraklasa for Charpentier
Cracovia supporters once again scanned the team sheet in vain, as striker Gabriel Charpentier was not selected for the visit to Arka Gdynia. The match slipped away 1-2 despite late pressure, extending a run of four matches without a win.
The coach cited “physical management” to explain the absence, insisting the Brazzaville-born striker remains in the long-term plan. However, Polish media note that Cracovia averaged 1.3 goals with Charpentier on the pitch last season and only 0.8 without him – a gap now under the spotlight.
With mid-table positions tightening, the next two weeks of training could be decisive. If Charpentier regains full fitness, his aerial presence could return in time for the derby against Wisła Kraków, a match often followed by Congolese fans on social media.
Czech Setback for Jablonec and Makouana
In the Czech Fortuna Liga, Jablonec’s 0-2 defeat at Sigma Olomouc kept the club anchored near the relegation playoff zone. Beni Makouana’s name was missing from the travel squad after what local journalists described as “tight hamstrings.”
The 21-year-old winger had started the season well with two assists in August, fueling hopes for a breakout season. His sudden unavailability coincided with three defeats, reinforcing perceptions that Jablonec relies on his direct runs to stretch defenses.
Medical staff are targeting the national cup match against third-division Přerov for his return. National team scouts, aware of his U23 pedigree, will hope the caution pays off before the November international break.
Tchibota and Mboungou Earn Minutes in the Balkans
Romanian second-division leaders Sepsi won 1-0 against Ceahlăul, introducing Mavis Tchibota in the 59th minute. The former Maccabi Haifa attacker showed good touches but couldn’t add to the lone goal. The coach praised his “professional mindset” after a summer transition from the Israeli top flight.