DR Congo Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga Misses World Cup Clash Due to US Visa Denial

Democratic Republic of Congo superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga will miss their key World Cup clash against Uzbekistan on Saturday because he was not granted a United States visa. Mboladinga rose to prominence at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco at the turn of the year. He cut a unique figure on the terraces as he stood motionless throughout DR Congo’s matches in tribute to his country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, a revered figure in the country after being killed by firing squad in 1961. Mboladinga bears a remarkable resemblance to Lumumba, wearing colourful suits with his country’s colours. After supporting the Congolese in their last match in Mexico, he will not be in Atlanta for their must-win game. Congolese ambassador in Washington, DC, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu hopes he would get a visa if DR Congo progressed to the knockout stage. Mboladinga’s arrival at the World Cup was delayed due to Ebola outbreak restrictions. The number of confirmed Ebola cases in DRC increased to 1,203, including 321 deaths.