DR Congo Fans Vandalize Stadium After Senegal Loss

DR Congo Fans Vandalise Stadium After Senegal Loss

Sampson Adedeji

Football fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo went on a rampage on Tuesday evening, vandalising parts of Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs following their team’s 3-2 defeat to Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 80,000-seater arena had been packed to capacity as the Leopards chased what would have been a historic step toward securing a place at next year’s tournament.

Expectations were high after DR Congo’s promising start to the campaign, but the home side fell short despite twice coming from behind.

Tempers flared after the final whistle, with sections of the crowd venting their frustration by tearing out seats, smashing plastic fittings, and hurling debris onto the pitch.

Security officials struggled to contain the angry supporters, forcing players and match officials to be escorted quickly into the tunnel.

Local media reports indicate that at least a dozen rows of seats were destroyed, while advertising boards and some pitch-side equipment were damaged.

No fatalities were reported, but a few fans sustained minor injuries in the chaos, and several arrests were made.

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) has condemned the violence, promising to cooperate with security agencies to identify the culprits.

“We understand the disappointment of our supporters, but such behaviour tarnishes our image and puts future matches at risk,” a federation statement read on Wednesday.

Police have since cordoned off the damaged sections of the stadium while an assessment of the repairs needed is underway.

The incident has raised concerns over whether Stade des Martyrs will be cleared to host DR Congo’s next home qualifier later this year.

Coach Sébastien Desabre, speaking after the match, urged fans to maintain faith in the team despite the setback. “We’re still in the race,” he said.

“The boys gave everything, and we’ll keep working hard to achieve our World Cup dream.” DR Congo sit third in their group after the loss, with crucial fixtures against Togo and Sudan still to come.