AFCON 2025: Algeria's Amoura apologises for mocking DRC's Lumumba look-alike

Algeria forward Mohamed Amine Amoura has issued an apology after facing criticism for a goal celebration during his side’s Africa Cup of Nations victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying he was unaware of the historical and cultural significance behind the gesture he appeared to mimic.

Algeria booked their place in the AFCON quarter-finals on Tuesday, January 5 after Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute strike sealed a dramatic extra-time win in Rabat, setting up a last-eight meeting with Nigeria.

In the aftermath of the match, Amoura drew backlash for a celebration many interpreted as mocking Congolese superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, popularly known as “Lumumba Vea”.

Mboladinga has become one of the standout figures of the tournament in Morocco, attending DR Congo matches dressed as Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister and a towering figure in Africa’s anti-colonial history. Throughout matches, he stands motionless on a pedestal with one arm raised, recreating a famous Lumumba statue in Kinshasa.

After Algeria scored the decisive goal, Amoura celebrated by striking a stiff, upright pose before falling to the ground — a move that sparked outrage among Congolese supporters, who viewed it as disrespectful to both the fan and the legacy of Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961.

Responding to the criticism, Amoura, who plays his club football for Wolfsburg in Germany, issued a public apology on social media. “The match against Congo was very intense, with a lot of tension and emotion,” he wrote.

“At that moment, I was not aware of what the person or the symbol present in the stands represented. I simply wanted to tease in a good-natured spirit, without any bad intention or desire to provoke anyone.”

He added: “I respect Congo and its team. Honestly, I wish them the best and I hope they qualify for the World Cup. If my behavior was misunderstood, I sincerely regret it, as it was never my intention.”

Mboladinga was visibly emotional after DR Congo’s elimination at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium, wiping away tears as he stepped down from his makeshift plinth following the final whistle.

Following Amoura’s statement, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) also moved to ease tensions by reaching out to Mboladinga. Although the superfan was unable to travel to Rabat after being invited to meet the Algerian football team, FAF media officer Saïd Fellak met him and other Congolese supporters in Casablanca on Wednesday evening.

During the meeting, Fellak presented Mboladinga with an Algeria national team jersey bearing the name “Lumumba” on the back. Images and videos of the exchange, attended by DR Congo’s Sports Minister Didier Budimbu, were praised.