For Congolese man who resettled in Akron, 'soccer is friendship'

Makambo Mtambala — a Congolese refugee and the coach of Afro United, one of the teams playing today — doesn't seem to notice the lack of a crowd.He wants Afro United to be known.Justin Glanville / Mtambala coaches his team, Afro United, during a Sunday afternoon game in North Akron.Justin Glanville / Selemani Olivier Kapela of Afro United covers goal during a team practice in North Akron.

Afro United keeps a busy schedule playing other amateur teams that it finds mostly via social media and word of mouth.Justin Glanville / Afro United currently has 22 players, and is recruiting more.