New Delhi, Jan. 9 -- Algeria player Mohamed Amoura says he meant no disrespect after he appeared to mock the statuesque Congo supporter paying tribute to slain independence hero Patrice Lumumba at the Africa Cup of Nations.

During his celebrations after Algeria's dramatic 1-0 win over Congo on Tuesday, Amoura mimicked the fan's posture with his right hand raised before he slumped down and lay on the field with his head resting on his hand.

The fan, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, has become a social media star at the Africa Cup for posing as a statue of Lumumba on a pedestal with his right hand raised and staying entirely still for the team's games. He stayed that way for more than 90 minutes Tuesday, then another 30 as the game went to extra ...