NEW DELHI: The most famous football fan of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, could not attend the crucial one for his country. FIFA World Cup match against Uzbekistan after being denied a US visa.Known to fans around the world as “Lumumba Vea”, Mboladinga has become one of the most recognized supporters of African football due to his unique way of supporting the team. However, he was forced to miss Congo’s biggest World Cup match despite traveling to support the team before the tournament.The reason for the visa denial has not been released.Congolese Ambassador to Washington, DC, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu told Reuters she hopes Mboladinga will still be able to join the team if DR Congo continues its World Cup journey.“I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team,” he said.
Why is it so famous?
Mboladinga became an international sensation during the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.Unlike the other supporters who sing and cheer throughout the match, he stands completely still for the entire 90 minutes with one arm raised. His pose is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of DR Congo, who led the country to independence before being assassinated in 1961.He also dresses in colorful clothes inspired by the national flag and bears a striking resemblance to Lumumba. His nickname, “Lumumba Vea”, comes from this tribute.His unique support has won him admiration in the world of football. After returning home from the African Cup of Nations, the Congolese government also gave him a four-wheeled vehicle in recognition of his popularity.
Delayed arrival of the World Cup
Mboladinga’s trip to the World Cup had already faced problems before the visa issue.He missed DR Congo’s opening match against Portugal due to travel and quarantine restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak in the country.He finally arrived in time for Congo’s second group game against Colombia in Guadalajara, where the African team lost 1-0.But he was unable to travel to Atlanta for Saturday’s must-win clash against Uzbekistan after failing to secure a US visa.
DR Congo creates World Cup history
Even without their most famous support in the stands, DR Congo produced one of the biggest results of the tournament.After falling behind to Eldor Shomurodov’s early goal, Congo fought back in the second half to win 3-1.Yoane Wissa equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after being fouled in the box. Fiston Mayele then put Congo ahead before Wissa scored again in stoppage time to seal a famous victory.The win sent DR Congo into the Round of 32 for the first time in the country’s history.It is only Congo’s second appearance at a FIFA World Cup and their first since competing as Zaire in 1974, when they lost all three of their group games.The win also made DR Congo the eighth African nation to reach the knockout stages of the 48-team FIFA World Cup.
