AFCON 2025: Algeria pay tribute to crying 'Lumumba' after an emotional night in Marrakech
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 08.01.26. | 21:47
Definitely one of the images that defined the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations
He stood motionless for 438 minutes. And when it was finally over, he broke down in tears.
As DR Congo were eliminated by Algeria in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, Michel Kuka Mboladinga - known to all as 'Lumumba' - became one of the indelible images of the AFCON 2025.
Frozen in place throughout every match played by DR Congo, including the extra-time defeat to Algeria (1-0), Mboladinga transformed himself into a living statue of Patrice Lumumba, the hero of Congolese independence.
A silent tribute and a powerful symbol. And a figure that came to define the tournament's 35th edition far beyond the pitch.
When the final whistle sounded, emotion took over.
In tears after the loss to the Fennecs, 'Lumumba' was briefly mocked by Algeria forward Mohamed Amoura, who later issued a public apology on social media.
"At that moment, I wasn't aware of what the person or the symbol in the stands represented," Amoura explained. "I simply wanted to tease in a light-hearted way, with no bad intentions or desire to provoke anyone. If my attitude was misunderstood, I sincerely regret it."
The story, however, did not end in controversy.
The Algerian Football Federation chose respect over polemics. As reported by journalist Lassana Camara, the federation honoured Mboladinga on Wednesday in Casablanca, presenting him with Algeria shirts in the presence of DR Congo's Minister of Sports and Leisure, Didier Budimbu. A powerful gesture, and a dignified full stop to the debate.
It was a moment of recognition for an unexpected icon.
"I am an artist, I am an entertainer. That's why I do this, it's my job," Mboladinga had told earlier in the tournament, fully aware that his silent performance had given him a platform to showcase his country. "Glory be to God, I'm very happy. I'm surprised myself. I didn't expect this at all."
He came as a statue. He left as a symbol.
AFCON 2025 - ROUND OF 16
Friday
19.00: (6.90) Mali (3.65) Senegal (1.63)
22.00: (7.00) Cameroon (3.70) Morocco (1.63)
Saturday
19.00: (3.30) Algeria (3.15) Nigeria (2.45)
22.00: (3.30) Egypt (2.85) Ivory Coast (2.55)
***odds are subject to change***
