Ugly scenes marred the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Tuesday night, after DR Congo surrendered a two-goal lead to suffer a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Senegal.

The Leopards had looked on course for a famous victory when Cédric Bakambu (26’) and Yoane Wissa (33’) put them 2-0 ahead amid raucous celebrations from the home crowd. But Senegal clawed their way back, with Pape Gueye pulling one back before half-time (39’).

The Lions of Teranga took control after the restart, as Nicolas Jackson levelled in the 53rd minute and Pape Matar Sarr sealed a remarkable comeback with an 87th-minute strike.

The late collapse sparked fury among sections of the home support. Videos circulating on social media showed fans vandalising seats and damaging stadium property in protest, with debris littering parts of the stands. The actions have been widely condemned across the continent, with calls for tougher sanctions to curb such behaviour.

The result lifts Senegal above DR Congo in Group B, putting Aliou Cissé’s men firmly in the driving seat for World Cup qualification heading into October’s final two matchdays.

For DR Congo, who had the game in their hands, the defeat represents a bitter blow — both on the pitch and off it, with their supporters’ unrest overshadowing what was otherwise a thrilling African qualifier.