AFCON 2025: DRC super-fan ‘collapses’ as Algeria score late goal
The 2025 AFCON ended in tears for DRC super-fan ‘Lumumba’ who stood like a statue in all the matches that his team played.
A Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) super-fan ‘collapsed’ as Algeria netted a late winner against his country on Tuesday.
This super-fan is none other Michel Nkuka Mboladinga who stood motionless like a statue out in the stands in all of DRC matches.
Mboladinga introduced himself to the world by mimicking the statue of former DRC president Patrice Lumumba.
The two teams – DRC and Algeria – met in the Round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
And the encounter was tightly contested that it needed extra time after the two sides played to a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
With the game seemingly heading for penalty shootouts, Algeria scored through Adil Boulbina in the 119th minute.
And the man famously known as “Lumumba” could not take it and he collapsed and shed tears throughout.
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DRC SUPER-FAN COLLAPSES, INCONSOLABLE AT AFCON
LUMUMBA: FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD?
‘Lumumba’ has certainly caught the eye of African football fans at this AFCON but he could now be known the whole world.
This could be possible if the DRC qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the US.
The DRC need a win in the March inter-continental playoffs where they will face either Jamaica or New Caledonia.