Congolese Football Federation thanks fans but remains silent on violence after Senegal defeat

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) has issued a statement following the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 3-2 defeat to Senegal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, praising supporters for their passionate backing but making no reference to the unrest that marred the fixture.

In a message released on its official X account, FECOFA expressed deep appreciation for the loyalty of Congolese fans during the international break.

The statement highlighted the atmosphere generated by supporters both at home and abroad, describing it as a driving force for the Leopards throughout their campaign.

A message of gratitude

“Thank you to the public and the Congolese people for this incredible support during this international break.

Your fervour has carried our Leopards through every moment, in Juba as well as in Kinshasa. Together, let’s continue to work. Bomoko!” the federation wrote.

The message was framed as a tribute to the resilience and passion of the Congolese public, with FECOFA emphasising that the connection between the team and its supporters remains a cornerstone of national football.

The federation also reminded fans of upcoming qualifiers in October, calling on them to maintain the same spirit and commitment as the Leopards look to revive their campaign.

Avoiding controversy

Notably absent from the federation’s communication was any reference to the incidents that unfolded during the match. Reports from Kinshasa indicated that clashes had broken out, with accounts of Senegalese supporters being targeted and stadium property damaged.

The disturbances cast a shadow over what was otherwise a highly competitive fixture, but FECOFA opted not to acknowledge the violence in its official remarks.

This silence has prompted questions about the governing body’s approach to managing unrest linked to football in the DRC.

For many observers, the absence of a clear stance risks undermining ongoing efforts to improve the image of the domestic game and ensure the safety of both home and visiting supporters.

Looking ahead

Despite the controversy, FECOFA’s message placed strong emphasis on the future. By pointing to the next round of fixtures in October, the federation appeared eager to shift focus towards the challenge of keeping the Leopards’ World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The Congolese side remains determined to secure a place at the 2026 tournament, with players and staff underlining the importance of consistency and discipline in the coming months.

For FECOFA, sustaining unity between the team and its supporters is seen as crucial if the Leopards are to overcome the hurdles that lie ahead.

A test of leadership

The omission of any response to the violence, however, leaves a gap that some believe must be addressed sooner rather than later. As football in the region continues to grow in prominence, issues of fan behaviour, security, and accountability are becoming increasingly important.

Without clear communication and decisive action, critics argue that incidents of unrest could damage both the reputation of the national team and the broader development of the sport in the DRC.

For now, FECOFA has chosen to focus on gratitude and optimism, praising supporters and rallying them for future battles on the pitch.

Yet the events surrounding the defeat to Senegal serve as a reminder that the federation faces a dual challenge: guiding its team towards World Cup qualification while also taking responsibility for the conduct of its fanbase.