The African Cup of Nations 2025 has delivered its signature moment of eccentric fan passion, courtesy of a supporter from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a bizarre and quickly viral incident, a DR Congo fan stood absolutely motionless for the entire 90-minute duration of his national team's final group stage match against Botswana.
The 'Lumumba' Pose That Captivated Social Media
Nicknamed 'Lumumba' by fellow fans and observers due to his statue-like pose reminiscent of Patrice Lumumba, the former Prime Minister of Congo, the supporter became an instant internet sensation. A video shared by beIN SPORTS USA on X (formerly Twitter) showed the man standing rigidly still, unfazed by the action on the pitch. This was not a one-off performance; he had reportedly maintained the same immobile stance during Congo's opening match against Senegal as well.
The tournament, known for producing unique spectacles rarely seen in regular football, had been somewhat quiet on such fronts until this moment. The fan's extreme display of focus, or perhaps superstition, perfectly encapsulated the intense emotions surrounding the continental championship.
Group D Outcomes and Knockout Stage Setup
The match itself held significant consequences for the group standings. Before the final round of Group D games on late Tuesday, Senegal, Congo, and Benin had already secured their progression to the knockout stages. The battle was for the top spot.
In the end, Senegal topped Group D on goal difference after securing a 3-0 victory over Benin. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with their motionless fan in attendance, claimed second place after also winning 3-0 against Botswana. Botswana, having already lost to both Senegal and Benin, was certain to finish last regardless of the result.
Knockout Fixtures and Host Nation's Path
The group results set up intriguing Round of 16 clashes. Senegal, the 2021 champion, will stay in Tangier for its first knockout game on Saturday. They will face a third-place finisher from Groups B, E, or F. However, they will be without their suspended captain, Kalidou Koulibaly.
Congo's reward for finishing second is a tough match against Algeria. Benin, like the other best third-place finishers, will face one of the group winners.
Meanwhile, host nation Morocco progressed smoothly as the winner of Group A, followed by second-place Mali, which managed only three points from three draws. Morocco will play on Sunday against a third-place team from Groups C, D, or E. Crucially for the Atlas Lions, they will continue their campaign in the nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which is also scheduled to host the final on January 18. Mali awaits a showdown with Tunisia in Casablanca on Saturday.
The viral moment of the DR Congo fan, a testament to the unique fervor of the AFCON, now becomes part of the tournament's rich folklore as the business end of the competition begins.
