CARA have won the 2026 Congo Cup after beating JST 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at the Alphonse-Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville.
The decisive shootout settled a closely contested final between the two Congolese sides, with CARA keeping their composure when it mattered most to claim the national trophy.
The final was played in front of a large crowd in Brazzaville and began with a symbolic kick-off by the President of the Republic, Denis Sassou Nguesso, at 17:10 local time on Friday.
Neither side was able to establish clear control during regulation time, with the contest remaining tightly balanced before the teams eventually finished level at 1-1.
The result meant the destination of the trophy had to be decided from the penalty spot.
CARA prevailed 3-2 in the shootout, securing the cup and adding another major achievement to the club’s history.
The victory represents another significant moment for the Brazzaville club, who have now been crowned winners of one of the country’s most important domestic competitions.
For JST, the final ended in disappointment after the side had battled CARA throughout the match and remained in contention until the penalty shootout.
The 90 minutes reflected the competitiveness of the encounter, with neither team able to produce enough to settle the contest inside regulation time.
A 1-1 scoreline ultimately sent the match into the high-pressure penalty phase, where CARA held their nerve to complete the job.
Penalty shootouts can turn finals into a test of composure as much as footballing ability, and CARA handled the pressure better on this occasion.
Their 3-2 victory from the spot allowed the Eagles to lift the Congo Cup after what had been a closely fought final.
The triumph also gives CARA another reason to celebrate in Congolese football, with the club adding the 2026 edition of the national cup to its honours.
The final’s setting added to the occasion. The Alphonse-Massamba-Débat Stadium hosted the decisive encounter as supporters gathered in large numbers to watch the two teams compete for the trophy.
The presence of President Denis Sassou Nguesso for the ceremonial kick-off underlined the importance attached to the final.
Once the action began, however, the focus quickly shifted to the battle between CARA and JST.
Both teams traded attacks during the match but neither could find the decisive goal needed to settle the contest before the final whistle.
The 1-1 draw ensured that the trophy would be decided by penalties, creating a tense conclusion to the tournament.
CARA ultimately converted enough of their opportunities to win the shootout 3-2 and secure the championship.
The result means the Eagles can celebrate another piece of silverware while JST are left to reflect on a final that was decided by the narrowest of margins.
