Stade des Martyrs vandalized after D.R. Congo squander two-goal lead in 3-2 loss to Senegal

The Stade des Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa was vandalised on Tuesday night after D.R. Congo suffered a 3-2 defeat to Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Some of the home fans, aggrieved after their national team squandered a 2-goal lead to lose the match, lost their cool, breaking several stadium seats and destroying other properties.

The incident currently trending on social media has been widely condemned.

The Group B encounter, played on Tuesday, saw the hosts seize control in the first half before Senegal produced a spirited response to claim a crucial victory.

Cédric Bakambu broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, finishing smartly to hand DR Congo the advantage.

Just seven minutes later, Yoane Wissa doubled the lead, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to put the Leopards 2-0 up.

The early setback left Senegal on the back foot, but their persistence soon paid off.

Pape Gueye pulled one back in the 39th minute, striking to give the Lions of Teranga renewed hope.

The goal shifted the momentum, and by the break, the score stood at 2-1, with Senegal showing signs of a comeback despite trailing.

The visitors emerged from the interval with greater intensity, pinning DR Congo back with sustained pressure.

In the 53rd minute, Nicolas Jackson levelled the match, his composed finish bringing Senegal back on equal terms and silencing much of the Kinshasa crowd.

The contest then swung end to end, with both sides creating opportunities in a tense and high-paced second half.

As the game edged towards a draw, Senegal found their decisive moment.

In the 87th minute, Pape Matar Sarr struck the winner, capping the comeback and sending the visiting supporters into celebration.

The result has seen Senegal overtaking D.R. Congo in the Group table heading into the last two matches of the qualifiers in October.