Football fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo went on a rampage Tuesday night, vandalising seats at Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa, following their team’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Senegal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The 80,000-capacity stadium was packed with Leopards fans hopeful of a historic ticket to the finals. Their dreams looked alive after Cédric Bakambu (26’) and Yoane Wissa (33’) fired the hosts into a 2-0 lead.
But Senegal mounted a stunning comeback: Pape Gueye halved the deficit in the 39th minute, Nicolas Jackson equalised in the 59th, and Pape Matar Sarr struck an 89th-minute winner to seal the turnaround.
At the final whistle, frustration in the stands spilled into chaos. Angry fans tore out plastic seats and hurled them onto the pitch, overwhelming security. While no injuries were reported, the damage to the iconic stadium was described as extensive.
The defeat has reshaped the group standings:
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Senegal now lead with 18 points from eight matches.
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DR Congo trail with 16 points in second place.
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Sudan sit third on 12 points, effectively out of the race.
With Morocco and Tunisia already qualified, only the group winner is guaranteed a spot at the expanded World Cup in North America. The Leopards must now hope to finish among the four best runners-up in Africa to reach the playoffs and keep their qualification dream alive.
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