Fans Destroy Stade des Martyrs | DRC Football Violence After Senegal Defeat
Fans Destroy Stade des Martyrs After Painful Defeat
Fans destroy Stade des Martyrs stadium in Kinshasa after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lost 3-2 to Senegal on September 9, 2025. What started as joy when Les Léopards scored early ended in chaos, with angry supporters damaging seats, glass, and property inside the national stadium.
Early Lead But Sudden Collapse
The DRC team took control of the game early. Cedric Bakambu scored in the 25th minute, followed by Yoane Wissa in the 32nd. At that point, Congolese fans believed victory was within reach.
But Senegal responded strongly. Pape Gueye scored in the 38th minute, Nicolas Jackson equalized in the 53rd, and Pape Matar Sarr netted the decisive winner in the 86th minute. The comeback ended the game 3-2 in favor of Senegal, leaving Congolese supporters devastated.
Chaos in Kinshasa
When the final whistle blew, emotions turned violent. Inside Stade des Martyrs, many fans began breaking seats, smashing windows, and destroying stadium property.
Videos quickly appeared on X (formerly Twitter), showing the destruction and sparking outrage from across Africa.
Strong Criticism From Analysts
Sports analyst Rodriguez Katsuva expressed his frustration:
“They destroyed many seats. Tomorrow officials will demand millions for repairs. If an international tournament was planned here, we would be banned. What kind of citizens are we?”
Journalist Stanis Boujakera Tshiamala added:
“Some DRC fans never change. They only know one thing—destroying.”
Their comments highlight how damaging fan behavior can hurt the country’s reputation in international football.
Impact on World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
This defeat not only frustrated fans but also hurt DRC’s qualification chances for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Senegal now leads Group B with 18 points.
- DRC follows with 16 points.
- Sudan holds 12 points in third.
- Togo sits fourth with 7 points.
- Mauritania has 6 points in fifth.
- South Sudan remains last with 4 points.
The destruction at Stade des Martyrs risks more than just money. It could damage DRC’s reputation with FIFA and reduce chances of hosting future matches.
Why This Matters for Football in DRC
The events show how football passion can turn dangerous if not managed properly. Many fans and journalists are now calling for:
- Better fan education programs to promote discipline.
- Stricter stadium security to prevent violence.
- Harsher punishments for those who damage public property.
If such steps are not taken, DRC risks losing the chance to host important matches in the future.
