Flames duo of Lanjesi Nkhoma and Patrick Mwaungulu are enjoying their stint at TP Mazembe where on Wednesday they were both on target as the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit thrashed Sanga Balende 3-0 in the Vodacom League 1 plays-offs at the Stade de Mazembe in Kamalondo, Lubumbashi.

Nkhoma netted the first goal for Mazembe in the 13th minute, heading in Oscar Kabwit’s cross.

Mazembe then made it 2-0 from the spot through Kabwit in the 55th minute.

Nkhoma then turned provider for compatriot Mwaungulu after his pass found the unmarked Flames attacker in the box to net the third goal.

Mwaungulu’s goal was his third since the duo’s return to the Vodacom League 1 defending champions after a loan spell at Don Bosco.

He was also on target in his first match for Mazembe when they lost 2-1 against Aigles Du and a 1-0 victory over Maneima Union in the play offs.

For Nkhoma, this was his first goal for Mazembe after struggling to find his footing at the Lubumbashi-based outfit.

The forward, writing on his Facebook page, said the goal was just a start of “good things to come”.

Football analyst Charles Nyirenda in an interview said the goal is a big boost for Nkhoma.

He said: “Scoring and providing an assist is a big statement for Nkhoma at Mazembe.

“That team is star-studded and competition for positions is stiff. When given an opportunity, you need to grab it.”

The DR Congo top tier league is played in two phases, the group stage and National Championship.

Nine teams qualify from group stage, six from Group A and three from Group B, qualify for the play-offs.

Wednesday’s victory means Mazembe tie with Maniema Union and Daring Club Motema Pembe on 22 points.

The former FCB Nyasa Bullets players were signed by Mazembe in August 2024 and loaned out to Don Bosco as they could not be registered due to a Fifa transfer ban.

But following the lifting of the ban, Mazembe have registered the two players.