DR Congo's 90-minute 'standing superfan' denied US visa

NEW DELHI: Democratic Republic of Congo's most famous football fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga was unable to attend his country's crucial FIFA World Cup match against Uzbekistan after being denied a United States visa.Known to fans around the world as "Lumumba Vea", Mboladinga has become one of African football's most recognisable supporters because of his unique way of backing the team. However, he was forced to miss Congo's biggest World Cup match despite travelling to support the team earlier in the tournament.The reason for the visa denial has not been made public.Congolese Ambassador to Washington, DC, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu told Reuters she hopes Mboladinga will still be able to join the team if DR Congo continue their World Cup journey."I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team," she said.Why is he so famous?Mboladinga became an international sensation during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.Unlike 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, DR Congo's first prime minister, who led the country to independence before being assassinated in 1961.He also dresses in colourful suits inspired by the national flag and bears a striking resemblance to Lumumba. His nickname, "Lumumba Vea", comes from this tribute.His unique support won admiration across the football world. After returning home from the Africa Cup of Nations, the Congolese government even gifted him a four-wheel-drive vehicle in recognition of his popularity.Delayed World Cup arrivalMboladinga's journey to the World Cup had already faced problems before the visa issue.He missed DR Congo's opening match against Portugal because of travel restrictions and quarantine 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 side 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 create World Cup historyEven without their most famous supporter 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 equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after being fouled inside 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 group matches.The victory also made DR Congo the eighth African nation to reach the knockout stage of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.