AFCON 2025: DR Congo Players, Officials Rain Abuse On Match Officials

AFCON 2025: DR Congo Players, Officials Rain Abuse On Match Officials

Sampson Adedeji

Tensions flared at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday as players and officials of DR Congo directed strong protests and verbal abuse at match officials following their narrow defeat to Algeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The controversial quarter-final encounter ended dramatically after Algeria scored a late extra-time winner, a decision that sparked furious reactions from the Congolese camp.

DR Congo players immediately surrounded the referee at the final whistle, accusing the officiating team of bias and questionable decision-making during the match. 

Several officials and members of the technical crew were also seen confronting match officials on the pitch, with security personnel forced to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating further.

The scenes cast a shadow over what had been an intensely contested fixture between two of Africa’s top sides.

While DR Congo players insisted they were victims of unfair officiating, Algeria maintained their composure and celebrated qualification for the next round.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review the match reports and referee’s assessment, with possible sanctions looming if misconduct by players or officials is confirmed.

The incident has reignited debates over refereeing standards at major continental tournaments, with calls for CAF to take decisive steps to protect match officials and uphold the integrity of African football.

 CAF has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as investigations are anticipated in the coming days.