Chaos erupted in Kinshasa Tuesday evening as football fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo vandalized Stade des Martyrs following their team’s heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The stadium, packed with 80,000 supporters, had witnessed an electric start as the home side, the Leopards, surged into a two-goal lead within the first 33 minutes. Cédric Bakambu scored in the 26th minute, followed by Yoane Wissa seven minutes later, raising hopes of a historic qualification to the finals in North America.

But Senegal staged a dramatic comeback. Pape Gueye scored in the 39th minute, Nicolas Jackson equalized in the 59th, and Pape Matar Sarr delivered a last-minute winner in the 89th minute, shattering the hearts of Congolese fans.

Frustration boiled over in the stands at full-time. Supporters ripped out plastic seats and hurled them onto the pitch, overwhelming stadium security. While no injuries were reported, the damage to Stade des Martyrs was extensive.

The result reshaped the group standings. Senegal now leads with 18 points from eight matches, edging DR Congo, who slipped to second with 16 points. The group winner earns an automatic spot in the expanded World Cup finals, joining Morocco and Tunisia who have already secured qualification. The runners-up will face a playoff to keep their World Cup hopes alive, while Sudan, in third place with 12 points, are effectively out of contention.

With this defeat, DR Congo must now hope to finish as one of the best runners-up across the African qualifiers to maintain a chance at reaching the World Cup through the playoff route.

Reporting by Henry Nichols.