Fans of the Democratic Republic of Congo reacted violently after their team bottled a two-goal lead against Senegal in a mammoth World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
The Leopards went into the game as leaders of Group B with 16 points, one more than their closest rivals, Senegal.
The 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs was filled to the roof as excited Congolese fans looked forward to edging closer to a historic World Cup qualification.
The stadium erupted after Cedric Bakambu gave the home side the lead in the 26th minute, before Yoane Wissa added the second seven minutes later to send the entire stadium buzzing.
However, the Teranga Lions staged a remarkable comeback, beginning with Pape Gueye's strike in the 39th minute, before Nicolas Jackson scored the equaliser just before the half-time break.
Pape Matar Sarr’s winner in the 89th minute broke the camel's back, sparking outrage among the home fans, who turned initial celebration into vandalism by destroying stadium seats and throwing various objects onto the pitch.
The result gives Senegal the advantage in Group B, as they leapfrog DRC to lead the group with 18 points, with two matches left to play.
Oh no....
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) September 9, 2025
The 80,000 DRC fans who witnessed a shock today after Senegal won 3-2 following a 2-0 deficit are tearing their home ground (Stade de Martyrs) apart. 😔
Standings
1. 🇸🇳 SEN - 18 pts
2. 🇨🇩 DRC - 16 pts pic.twitter.com/UEVMTuHhiC
#RDC:Des incidents ont éclaté au Stade des #Martyrs après la défaite des Léopards de la #RDC face au Sénégal. La #RDC a été battue 3 à 2. Des supporters en colère ont saccagé une partie du stade. pic.twitter.com/4EgZk266Co
— Jams Mupuala (@JamsMupualaRdc) September 9, 2025
WDN
