Algeria forward Mohamed Amoura has issued a formal apology to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following his controversial celebration during their dramatic extra-time win against the Central African nation last Monday.
Algeria took on DRC in the round of 16, beating them 1-0 to seal a quarter final place against Nigeria.
After teammate Adli Boulbina scored the decisive goal in the 118th minute, spectators saw Amoura mimic the rigid, motionless pose of Congolese superfan Michel Nkuka Mbolandinga.
Mbolandinga hit the headlines during the tournament. The superfun mimicked the statue of late Congolese former Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba - a central symbol of independence and Pan-Africanism for the nation.
The gesture saw Amoura imitate the pose and then drop to the turf as if the statue had fallen. Social media users widely condemned him as disrespectful to Congolese history and a violation of sportsmanship.
Amoura released a statement on his Instagram story following the bashing. The Wolfsburg man expressed deep regret. He clarified that he was playfully teasing, not intending any political or cultural insult.
The Wolfsburg player wrote on his socials: "The match against Congo was a big game, very intense, with a lot of tension and emotion on the pitch.
"I want to clarify one thing: at that moment, I was not aware of what the person or the symbol present in the stands represented.
Amoura insisted he was only joking around, unaware of the cultural and political ramifications his antics had.
"I respect Congo and their team. Honestly, I wish them all the best, and I hope they qualify for the World Cup. If my attitude may have been misunderstood, I sincerely regret it, because that was absolutely not my intention.
"I remain focused on the pitch and on representing my country with pride."
The Algerian Football Federation on Wednesday dispatched a convoy to bring Mbondalinga. It was an effort to mend relationships with DR Congo's fraternity.
The gesture aimed to promote respect between the two nations following the tense knockout match.
Algeria now advances to the quarter-finals, where they are scheduled to face Nigeria in Marrakesh.
