Algeria Apologises to DR Congo Superfan After AFCON Gesture

During the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16 on January 5 2026, Algeria’s football federation issued an apology to a Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) superfan after a post‑match celebration drew widespread criticism. The incident occurred in Rabat, Morocco, after Algeria defeated DR Congo 1–0 in extra time, thanks to a 119th‑minute goal by Adil Boulbina.

Congolese supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who attended matches dressed as the late independence leader Patrice Lumumba and stood motionless on a pedestal with one arm raised, became the unintended focus of a controversial celebration by Algerian forward Mohamed Amine Amoura.

The gesture a stiff pose followed by a fall was interpreted as mocking the fan and the historical figure he represented, prompting a swift response from both the player and the Algerian Football Federation as Reported by BBC News

Verified Facts

• Match details – Algeria’s 1–0 victory over DR Congo was decided by Adil Boulbina’s extra‑time strike in the 119th minute, earning the Desert Foxes a place in the quarter‑finals against Nigeria.

• Superfan tribute – Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, nicknamed “Lumumba Vea,” attended DR Congo matches wearing bright suits and glasses to resemble Patrice Lumumba. He stood still on a plinth with his right arm raised, mimicking the statue of Lumumba in Kinshasa. Lumumba, DR Congo’s first prime minister, is revered across Africa as an anti‑colonial symbol; he was assassinated in 1961.

• Controversial celebration – After the final whistle, Algerian forward Mohamed Amine Amoura celebrated by copying Mboladinga’s rigid stance before deliberately falling over. Many spectators saw the act as disrespectful to both the superfan and Lumumba’s legacy.

• Player apology – Within hours, Amoura apologised via social media. He wrote that he had been unaware of the historical significance of the fan’s gesture and had “no bad intention,” adding that he respected Congo and hoped the team would qualify for the World Cup.

• Federation response – The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) subsequently reached out to Mboladinga. As the superfan could not travel to Rabat, FAF media officer Saïd Fellak met him and other Congolese supporters in Casablanca and presented him with an Algeria jersey printed with “Lumumba” on the back. Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu attended the meeting. FAF’s apology emphasised respect for DR Congo and sought to ease tensions

Reactions and Context

The apology defused a situation that could have heightened tensions at a tournament already charged with national pride. The Algerian forward’s gesture drew sharp criticism on social media and from African football fans. Analysts noted that Mboladinga’s tribute had become a symbol of resilience and remembrance, underlining how football often intersects with Africa’s colonial history. By issuing a personal apology and facilitating a meeting with the superfan, Algeria’s football authorities signalled a commitment to respect and unity.

AFCON 2025 continues in Morocco, with Algeria advancing to the quarter‑finals. DR Congo, eliminated from the tournament, will now focus on the inter‑confederation World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March.

Background

Patrice Lumumba served briefly as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first prime minister in 1960 and was a prominent voice in the continent’s anti‑colonial movement. He was assassinated in January 1961 in a plot supported by Belgian, British and U.S. interests. Lumumba is celebrated across Africa for his calls for unity and independence, and his legacy continues to inspire activists and artists. The superfan tribute at AFCON underlines how football stadiums can become platforms for historical remembrance and national identity.

Source : BBC news