Algerian Player's Disrespectful Gesture Sparks Controversy Amid Afcon Celebration

Fri Jan 09 2026 16:04:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Algeria's football federation has issued an apology following an incident during the Africa Cup of Nations where an Algerian player mocked a Congolese superfan, igniting discussions on respect and cultural sensitivity.

The incident occurred when Algeria defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Congolese superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who paid tribute to Patrice Lumumba, was mocked by Algerian player Mohamed Amine Amoura. This prompted a public apology from Amoura and the Algerian Football Association, which subsequently reached out to Mboladinga to express their respect and appreciation for his support.

Algeria's football federation has apologised to a Congolese superfan who has become one of the stars of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) being held in Morocco.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga has supported the Democratic Republic of Congo by dressing up as the country's revered first leader Patrice Lumumba and remaining stock-still throughout every match.

He stood on a pedestal with his right arm raised - just like Lumumba's famous statue in DR Congo's capital, Kinshasa - as fans around him cheered.

But after Algeria beat the Leopards on Tuesday, Algerian player Mohamed Amine Amoura faced a backlash for mimicking Mboladinga and falling to the ground as though the statue had been knocked over.

This prompted the 25-year-old forward to post an apology on Instagram, saying his gesture was not intended to disrespect DR Congo.

The Desert Foxes had looked like they were heading to penalties before Adil Boulbina scored in the 119th minute, securing a place in the quarter-finals.

At that moment, I wasn't aware of what the person or symbol in the stands represented. I simply wanted to joke around, in a good-natured way, without any ill intent or desire to provoke anyone, said Amoura, who also plays for German team Wolfsburg.

Following Amoura's contrite statement, the Algerian Football Association (Faf) invited Mboladinga - who with his hairstyle and glasses looks remarkably like Lumumba - to meet the players...