The Kinshasa derby between DCMP and AS Vita Club descended into chaos on Sunday, December 1, 2024, as frustrated DCMP supporters turned their anger on their own players following a 2-1 defeat in the national first division championship. The post-match violence unfolded at the Tata Raphaël Stadium in Kinshasa, overshadowing what had been one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Fans, enraged by their team’s performance, stormed the pitch after the final whistle, chasing and assaulting DCMP players.
The players, visibly shaken, struggled to exit the field as tensions boiled over in the stands and spilled onto the playing area.
Key Match Ends in Chaos
The derby, a significant fixture in Congolese football, had promised excitement, but the outcome left DCMP supporters bitterly disappointed.
Despite their team’s efforts, AS Vita Club claimed victory with a narrow 2-1 scoreline, solidifying their dominance in the championship.
What began as spirited competition quickly spiraled into violence as emotions flared.
The heated atmosphere in the stands led to confrontations not only between DCMP fans and their players but also between supporters of the two rival clubs.
Broader Implications for Congolese Football
The incident has raised serious concerns about security at football matches in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ensuring the safety of players and officials is critical, especially during high-stakes games like the Kinshasa derby.
Clashes of this nature not only tarnish the image of the sport but also hinder efforts to promote a positive football culture in the country.
Authorities are likely to face pressure to investigate the events at the Tata Raphaël Stadium and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the championship progresses, the aftermath of this derby serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter crowd management and greater emphasis on sportsmanship, both on and off the field.
For DCMP, the focus will now shift to rebuilding trust with their supporters while addressing the challenges that contributed to the team’s performance and the subsequent unrest.
