Algeria’s Football Federation has apologised to a Congolese supporter following an incident at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco that sparked criticism across the continent.
The supporter, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, drew widespread attention during the tournament for attending Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) matches dressed as Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister and a leading figure of Africa’s anti-colonial movement. Standing motionless on a platform with his arm raised, Mboladinga recreated a well-known Lumumba statue from Kinshasa and quickly became one of the tournament’s most recognisable fans.
Controversy erupted after Algeria’s dramatic extra-time victory over DR Congo on Tuesday, when Algerian forward Mohamed Amine Amoura was seen mimicking the fan’s statue-like pose and then falling to the ground, a gesture many interpreted as mocking. The moment triggered backlash on social media, particularly among Congolese supporters.
Amoura later issued a public apology, stating that he had not understood the symbolic meaning of the fan’s costume and had no intention of showing disrespect to DR Congo or its history. He described his actions as an ill-judged attempt at humour made without malicious intent.
In response, the Algerian Football Federation contacted Mboladinga to express regret over the incident. Although the Congolese supporter was unable to travel to Rabat to meet the Algerian team, an Algerian federation official met him and other Congolese fans in Casablanca. During the meeting, Mboladinga was presented with an Algerian national team jersey bearing the name “Lumumba,” a gesture aimed at easing tensions and reaffirming respect.
The episode unfolded after Algeria secured a quarter-final place with a last-minute extra-time goal and is set to face Nigeria next. Despite the on-field rivalry, the apology and subsequent outreach were widely seen as an effort to preserve sportsmanship and acknowledge the deep historical symbolism represented by Lumumba for many Africans.