New Delhi: Democratic Republic of Congo’s most famous football fan Michel Kuka Mboldinga will not be able to attend the country’s crucial match fifa world cup game against Uzbekistan after being denied a US visa.Known as “Lumumba Wea” to fans around the world, Mbolinga has become one of African football’s most well-known supporters for his unique way of supporting his team. However, despite traveling to support Congo earlier in the tournament, he was forced to miss Congo’s most important World Cup match.The reason for the visa denial has not been made public.Kapinga Yvette Ngandu, Congo’s ambassador to Washington, told Reuters she hoped Mbolatinga would still be able to join the team if the Democratic Republic of Congo continues its World Cup journey.“I hope he brings his own support to the team,” she said.
Why is he so famous?
Mbolinga became an international sensation during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.Unlike other supporters who sang and cheered throughout the game, he remained motionless for the entire 90 minutes with one arm raised. His gesture paid tribute to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, who led the country to independence before being assassinated in 1961.He also wears a colorful suit inspired by the national flag and bears a striking resemblance to Lumumba. His nickname “Lumumba Vea” comes from this tribute.His unique support has earned him admiration from across the football world. After returning home from the Africa Cup of Nations, the Congolese government even gave him a four-wheel drive vehicle in recognition of his popularity.
World Cup postponed
Even before the visa issue, Mbolinga’s World Cup trip was already experiencing problems.He missed the DRC’s opening game against Portugal due to travel restrictions and quarantines due to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.He finally arrived in time for Congo’s second group match against Colombia in Guadalajara, a game the African side lost 0-1.But he was unable to travel to Atlanta for Saturday’s must-win game against Uzbekistan after failing to obtain a U.S. visa.
Democratic Republic of Congo makes World Cup history
Even without its most famous supporters in the stands, DR Congo achieved one of the biggest results of the tournament.Congo fell behind to an early goal from Eldo Shomurodov but fought back in the second half to win 3-1.In the 68th minute, Yoanni Visa fouled in the penalty area and equalized the score with a penalty kick. Fiston Majele then put Congo ahead and Visa scored again in stoppage time to seal a famous victory.The win puts the Democratic Republic of Congo into the last 32 for the first time in its history.This is Congo’s second appearance at the FIFA World Cup and first since 1974 with Zaire, when they lost all three group games.The victory also made the Democratic Republic of the Congo the eighth African country to advance to the knockout stages of the expanded World Cup to 48 teams.
