Matches involving the DR Congo national team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have featured an unforgettable sight in the stands, where one fan has captured attention by standing completely still and silent for the entire 90 minutes.
The Congolese supporter, Koka Moladinga, deliberately turned himself into a “living statue” to honor Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first democratically elected prime minister after independence from Belgium in 1960, who was assassinated in 1961.
In the middle of the usual noise and colour of an AFCON crowd, he chose absolute silence, sending a symbolic message loaded with political and historical meaning and reflecting shared sorrow and nostalgia for Lumumba’s values.
Videos circulating online show the fan motionless even when goals are scored, moments that normally spark wild celebrations, as he remains fixed like a bronze figure among the jumping and singing supporters.
On the pitch, DR Congo beat Botswana 3–0 in the third round of Group D, at the tournament currently hosted by Morocco.
The result sent DR Congo through to the knockout stage as group runners-up with 7 points, setting up a meeting next Tuesday with Algeria, who secured top spot in Group F before the final round of games.
