Algeria issues apology for Amoura 'mocking' DR Congo football fan at AFCON 2025

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has issued an apology to the Democratic Republic of Congo following a controversial gesture by forward Mohamed Amoura during their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash.

The incident happened after Algeria’s 1–0 victory over the DR Congo at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, when Amoura made a gesture that many viewed as mocking Congolese superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, widely known as “Lumumba VEA.” 

Mboladinga is recognised for standing still with one arm raised during matches, a pose inspired by Patrice Lumumba, the DR Congo’s independence hero.

Amoura later apologised in a post on Instagram, saying that he was unaware of the deeper significance of the fan’s pose. 

“I was very emotional and didn’t know the meaning behind it. I apologise to Congolese fans,” he said.

An FAF delegation visited Congolese supporters at their hotel in Rabat and presented Nkuka with an Algerian national team jersey bearing his nickname. The visit was attended by DR Congo Sports Minister Didier Budimbu, with FAF representatives expressing regret over the incident and reaffirming the longstanding friendly relations between Algeria and the DRC.

Edited by CGTN Africa's Nyawira Mwangi