Football fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo went on a rampage Tuesday evening, vandalising seats at Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs after their team’s 3-2 defeat to Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
A Night of High Drama
The 80,000-capacity stadium was packed as the Leopards chased a historic qualification to the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America.
The hosts made a dream start, taking a two-goal lead within 33 minutes. Cédric Bakambu opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Yoane Wissa doubled the advantage seven minutes later.
But Senegal mounted a dramatic comeback. Pape Gueye struck in the 39th minute, Nicolas Jackson equalised just before the hour mark, and Pape Matar Sarr sealed the win with a heartbreaking 89th-minute goal.
Chaos at the Stade des Martyrs
At the final whistle, frustration erupted in the stands. Angry fans ripped out plastic seats and hurled them onto the pitch. Security struggled to control the crowd as chaos spread across the stadium.
While no injuries were immediately reported, damage to the historic venue was described as “extensive.”
Impact on World Cup Qualifiers
The result significantly reshaped the group standings. Senegal now sit top with 18 points from eight matches, edging ahead on goal difference. DR Congo dropped to second with 16 points.
Only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 finals. Runners-up face a playoff route. With the loss, DR Congo must now rely on being one of the four best runners-up in Africa to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Sudan, on 12 points, are effectively out of contention. Meanwhile, Morocco and Tunisia have already secured their places at the tournament.
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