AFCON 2025: DR CONG DREAMS END TOTALLY

  Cup of Nations has never been just about goals and trophies. It is also about stories, faces and emotions that give the tournament its unique soul. Few embodied that spirit more than DR Congo’s famous superfan, Lumumba, whose passionate presence lit up the stands throughout the competition.

On the night DR Congo’s journey came to a heartbreaking end at the hands of Algeria, Lumumba was a picture of pure devotion — and, ultimately, deep sorrow. Known for standing throughout the entire match, leading chants and energising Congolese supporters, he once again refused to sit, urging his team on from the first whistle to the last.

But football can be cruel. When Algeria struck a dramatic last-minute goal in extra time to seal the tie, the stadium erupted — and so did the emotions. Lumumba collapsed into tears, inconsolable as the dream slipped away in the most painful fashion. Around him, fans tried to comfort the man who had spent the entire tournament lifting their spirits.

His impact had not gone unnoticed. Before kickoff, CAF President Patrice Motsepe had personally appreciated Lumumba, praising him for bringing colour, passion and joy to the stadiums and for making the experience of watching DR Congo even more special for fans across Africa.

While DR Congo’s campaign is over, Lumumba’s image — standing — will remain one of the enduring memories of this AFCON. In victory and in defeat, he reminded everyone that football is as much about the people in the stands as it is about the players on the pitch.