Algerian national team player Mohamed Amine Amoura apologized to African fans for mocking African icon Patrice Lumumba after the Democratic Republic of Congo’s match in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Throughout all of Congo’s matches in the tournament, a fan appeared impersonating Congo’s first elected president after independence, Patrice Lumumba, who was later assassinated and is considered a symbol of liberation and independence in Africa.
This fan attracted the attention of millions by mimicking Lumumba’s stance throughout the match, drawing attention to Lumumba’s poignant story and the suffering endured by the African continent under colonialism. He was present, as usual, at the Algeria match, remaining standing until Adel Boulbina scored the winning goal for the Desert Warriors in the final minute of the second period of extra time. He then collapsed, overcome with grief at his country’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.
After the match, the fan returned to his iconic Lumumba pose, prompting Amoura to go to the Congolese stands and mimic him, then fall to the ground in mockery of the Congolese after their defeat. This sparked a wave of criticism against the Wolfsburg star, as it was argued that he was not mocking the fan himself, but rather a timeless African icon.
Amoura posted a statement on his Instagram account explaining his actions and apologizing for what happened.
The 25-year-old wrote, “The match against DR Congo was intense, and the emotions were even stronger. I want to clarify something: at that moment, I didn’t realize that this person was an icon. I simply wanted to joke in a good way, without any ill intent.”
He added, “I respect Congo and its national team, and I wish them all the best and hope they qualify for the World Cup. If my behavior was misunderstood, I regret it and I’m sorry. That was never my intention. I will continue to focus on the pitch and represent my country with honor.”
Algeria is scheduled to face Nigeria next Saturday in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
