Wednesday 07/January/2026 – 08:16 PM
Over the past few hours, social media sites have witnessed a wide state of interaction, after calls escalated demanding the invitation of Congolese fan Michel Nkuka Mbuladinga, known in the media by a similar nickname. Patrice Lumumba, To attend the Egyptian national team’s match against Belgium in the upcoming World Cup competitions.
Invitations for a Congolese fan similar to Lumumba to attend the Egypt-Belgium World Cup match
These calls came after the situation that the Congolese fan was subjected to during his country’s match against Algeria in the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations, after clips were circulated showing Algerian player Mohamed Amoura mocking his way of cheering after the end of the match, which sparked a great wave of sympathy for him on digital platforms.
Michel Ngcuka Mboladinga is considered one of the most prominent fans of the tournament, after he remained silent in the stands for 438 consecutive minutes, wearing a shirt bearing the image of the late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, in a remarkable scene that attracted the attention of the fans and the media.
Observers saw that the fan’s standing was not just an individual act, but rather a symbolic message aimed at commemorating Patrice Lumumba, the first elected president in the history of the Congo, one of the most prominent symbols of the African struggle, who sacrificed his life for the independence of the Congo, and had a prominent role in resisting colonialism, defending the rights of African peoples, and the plundering of the continent’s natural and human resources.
Mohamed Amour’s apology to Patrice Lomboba’s lookalike
In a related context, Mohamed Amoura was keen to clarify his position and offer an official apology, as he published a message on his Instagram account, during which he confirmed that the Congo match was very tense, and that his behavior came spontaneously and without realizing the symbolism carried by the shirt that the fan wore.
Amora said in his message: At that moment, I was not aware of what the character on the shirt represented, and I acted in a spontaneous spirit without any intention to offend or provoke.
Mohamed Amoura, the Algerian national team player, added that he has the utmost respect for Congo and its national team, wishing them success in their upcoming journey, especially during the World Cup qualifying playoff, scheduled to be held next March.
Amora concluded his message by saying: If my behavior was misunderstood, I sincerely regret it, as this was not my intention at all, and I will continue to represent my country with pride and love.
On the other hand, social media users shared a number of symbolic proposals, including inviting the Congolese fan to attend the Egypt-Belgium match in the World Cup, as a humanitarian gesture carrying historical connotations, while others saw that the Egyptian Football Association taking this step might have a wide positive response among the African masses.
This controversy comes at a time when the Algerian national team, led by star Riyad Mahrez, is preparing for a strong confrontation against the Nigerian national team in the quarter-finals of the tournament, scheduled to be held next Saturday, as part of the Sahara Warriors’ quest to win the African title.
