Africa is known for its gigantic forum of football fans. Its vibrant football culture and passionate fans is another reason why the 2010 World Cup holds a special place in people’s hearts. The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, provided another indigenous fan, who had captured the world with his dedication and support towards his country.
DR Congo’s fan, Michel Kuka Muladinga, made his presence at every Congo match, upholding his iconic pose. He imitates the powerful pose of Patrice Lumumba’s statue, the first Prime minister of DR Congo.
Muladinga once again appeared for his duties in DR Congo’s important Round of 16 game against Algeria. 90 minutes were not enough for a result as the game headed into extra time. Here is where Kuka muladinga displayed his dedication.
He stood the entire game, for 118 minutes, before the unfortunate happened. Algeria broke the deadlock through a Boulbina screamer, which put the fan into shock.
He disbanded his pose for the first time, lowering his hand slowly and covered his face with his hands, tearing up, unable to digest the defeat.
DR Congo fan Kuka Mboladinga stood strong until the 119th minute 💔🇨🇩
— LiveScore (@livescore) January 6, 2026
His iconic pose throughout AFCON paid tribute to the nation’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba 🫡
(📹: @KawowoSports) pic.twitter.com/2QQAA0mRHJ
A photo of him falling down after the goal was circulated, before people realised that it was fake and generated by AI.
Iconic moment. 😅
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) January 6, 2026
The DR Congo fan who’s been standing through every minute of the match just fell the moment Algeria scored in the 119th.
Pure heartbreak and drama in one instant! 💔#AFCON2025#AFCONwithMicky pic.twitter.com/omSfUlRff2
Just as he was broken down , Mohammed Amoura of Algeria did a mockery of it , by falling off from his pose. The disrespectful gesture received angry reactions from the fans.
Amoura that is out of order mate 😂 pic.twitter.com/sy3cqTZDyy
— Dean Ammi (@AlgerianFooty) January 6, 2026
But, Amoura soon realized his mistake and apologised for his actions. He uploaded an Instagram story, explaining that he didn’t know the true reason behind the pose and what he intended was just silly banter at the moment.
Translation : The match against Congo was a big game, very intense, with a lot of tension and emotion on the pitch. I want to clarify one thing: at that moment, I was not aware of what the person or the symbol in the stands represented. I simply wanted to banter, in a good-natured spirit, with no bad intentions or desire to provoke anyone. I respect Congo and its team. Honestly, I wish them the best and hope they qualify for the World Cup. If my attitude could have been misunderstood, I sincerely regret it, because that was absolutely not my intention. I remain focused on the pitch and on representing my country with pride.
All said and done, it is really sad that Muladinga’s efforts could not yield a positive outcome, ending in a heartbreak, but sooner or later, he would enjoy the success of his country in bigger stages.
