Tempers flared at Stade des Martyrs on Tuesday night after the Democratic Republic of Congo suffered a 3-2 defeat to Senegal in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, sparking vandalism and chaos among home supporters.
The Leopards appeared to be cruising to victory with a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, fueling hopes of a pivotal home win. But Senegal staged a dramatic turnaround after halftime, scoring three unanswered goals to snatch the match and leave DR Congo’s qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Witnesses reported scenes of unrest as frustrated fans ripped out plastic seats and hurled them onto the pitch, dismantled barriers, and damaged sections of the players’ tunnel. Riot police were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order, while local outlets confirmed several minor injuries among supporters.
The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) swiftly condemned the violence, announcing an investigation to assess damage and identify perpetrators. Authorities warned that the incident could trigger FIFA sanctions or even a temporary ban on hosting matches at Stade des Martyrs.
The episode highlights long-standing concerns over stadium safety and crowd control in DR Congo, where past tragedies have prompted scrutiny of infrastructure and security protocols. Tuesday’s unrest underscores how quickly emotions can escalate when national pride and World Cup dreams are on the line.
