Football fans in Kinshasa unleashed chaos at the Stade des Martyrs on Tuesday evening after the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 3-2 defeat to Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 80,000-capacity stadium was filled with expectant supporters as the Leopards sought a vital win to boost their chances of reaching North America. Their hopes soared early when Cédric Bakambu opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Yoane Wissa doubled the lead seven minutes later.
However, Senegal mounted a remarkable comeback. Pape Gueye halved the deficit in the 39th minute, Nicolas Jackson equalised in the 59th, and Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr delivered the crushing blow in the 89th minute, sparking heartbreak for the home crowd.
Anger quickly spilled over at the final whistle. Enraged fans tore up plastic seats and hurled them onto the pitch, creating chaotic scenes that security personnel struggled to contain. While no injuries were immediately reported, the damage to the stadium was described as significant.
The result leaves Senegal at the top of the group with 18 points from eight matches, edging DR Congo, who drop to second with 16 points. Only the group winners are guaranteed an automatic place at the finals, while runners-up face a playoff battle.
Sudan, with 12 points, are effectively out of contention, leaving DR Congo needing to finish as one of the four best runners-up across Africa to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
