By Rahim Abdul
Malawi national team stars Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma have etched their names into the history books after helping Congolese giants TP Mazembe win the 2025/26 Illicocash Ligue 1 title in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Flames duo celebrated the championship on Saturday after Mazembe wrapped up the title with a 2-0 victory over Celesté, finishing at the summit of the standings and reclaiming domestic supremacy in one of Africa’s most competitive leagues.
Former Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Mwaungulu started the decisive match and played a key role as the Lubumbashi based outfit completed a successful campaign, while striker Lanjesi Nkhoma was introduced from the bench as Mazembe secured the three points needed to seal the crown.
The triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for TP Mazembe, who endured disappointment last season after missing out on both the league title and continental football for the first time in decades.
For the two Malawians, the championship is a reward for their persistence after initially spending time on loan at Don Bosco following registration challenges that delayed their integration into the Mazembe first team.
Since returning to the club, both players have made significant contributions, with Mwaungulu producing important goals and assists while Nkhoma has also found the net and impressed with his attacking displays.
Their success in Congo adds another milestone to the careers of the two former Bullets stars, who moved to TP Mazembe in 2024 and have gradually established themselves at one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
The title victory also guarantees TP Mazembe a return to the CAF Champions League in the 2026/27 season after missing the previous edition, a competition the Congolese giants have won five times.
TP Mazembe remain the most successful club in DR Congo football history, and this latest triumph further strengthens their status among the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
Back home, the achievement is expected to excite Malawian football followers, with Mwaungulu and Nkhoma becoming the latest Flames players to conquer foreign leagues and raise the country’s flag high on the continental stage.
