A football field with the stands visible on the background under a clear sky

Stade des Martyrs Kinshasa: One of Africa's Largest Stadiums

Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte, formerly known as Stade Kamanyola, is the largest stadium in the Democratic Republic of Congo and one of Africa's largest and most significant stadiums. With a seating capacity of approximately 80,000, it dominates the Lingwala commune in Kinshasa and sits close to the national parliament building.

If you are visiting Kinshasa during a match week or a major concert weekend, the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium is where the city's biggest stories unfold. The DRC Léopards play their qualifiers here, the 2 biggest football clubs in Kinshasa trade derbies inside its bowl, and rumba royalty fills it well past capacity on concert nights.

Explore the stadium's history, what it hosts, how to plan a visit, and where to base yourself for an easy run-in and run-out.
 

History and Significance

 

Stade des Martyrs was built between 1988 and 1993 with support from the Chinese government and was originally named Stade Kamanyola after a military victory. It was renamed in 1997, following the fall of Mobutu Sese Seko, in honour of 4 ministers who were publicly executed on the site on Pentecost in 1966.

 

The 4 ministers honoured by the renaming are Évariste Kimba, Jérôme Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba. Their memory remains tied to the stadium's official name and its place in the country's modern political history.  

Beyond its political significance, the stadium has hosted some of the country's largest international moments in recent years:
 

  • 9th Jeux de la Francophonie: Hosted at the stadium in 2023
  • Pope Francis: Celebrated Mass at the stadium on 2 February 2023, during his pastoral visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • CAF Approval: Approved for the 2024-25 CAF interclub season
  • 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Confirmed venue for the Democratic Republic of Congo's qualifying matches

High-angle view of a stage and large crowd inside a massive indoor stadium with a complex white roof structure.
An empty football field with manicured lawn on a sunny day

Football at the Stadium

 

The Pentecost Martyrs Stadium is the home of Congolese football at every level, from the national team to the country's 2 most decorated clubs. Match nights inside the bowl are loud, dense, and unique to Kinshasa
 

  • DRC Léopards: Home ground of the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team
  • AS Vita Club (V.Club): One of Kinshasa's 2 biggest football clubs, with regular fixtures at the stadium
  • DC Motema Pembe (DCMP): V.Club's historic rival and the other half of the Kinshasa derby
  • Kinshasa derby: The V.Club versus DCMP fixture is one of Africa's most intense club rivalries
  • LINAFOOT Ligue 1: Domestic league matches are played regularly at the stadium throughout the season

Concerts and Major Events

 

The Kinshasa stadium is also the city's biggest concert venue. Fally Ipupa's mega-concert in October 2022 drew an estimated 120,000 spectators, with crowds spilling well beyond the official 80,000 Kinshasa stadium capacity.

The stadium continues to host the biggest names in Congolese rumba, soukous, and gospel music:

 

  • Ferre Gola: Regular performer at major concert events
  • Koffi Olomide: One of the most prominent voices in Congolese rumba
  • Werrason: Long-standing fixture on the country's biggest stages
  • Gospel artists: Frequent religious assemblies and gospel concerts fill the bowl throughout the year

A concert held at stadium with smoke and fire celebrated by people.

Unwind Together at KertelSuites


Couples who travel to Kinshasa for a romantic escape will find KertelSuites a dream. From gourmet dining in its restaurants to relaxing spa treatments, the hotel offers plenty of ways to unwind together. Its calm, intimate atmosphere provides the perfect retreat from the city’s fast pace.

a rolled towel and a white coloured bottled kept with a bunch of tulips kept on a table
Meli-Melo Restaurant at KertelSuites, featuring elegant seating arrangements and stylish ceiling lights

Your Gateway to Relaxation and Fitness


Unwind at our sparkling swimming pool or indulge in complete relaxation at the spa. Stay active at the modern gym and wellness center, while our dedicated travel desk ensures every journey is seamless and stress-free.

A new venue is rising next door. Kinshasa Arena, a 20,000-seat indoor venue under construction adjacent to the stadium, is anticipated to open in 2026.

A gallery of a stadium featuring empty seats during daytime

Visitor Tips for a Match or Concert

 

A few practical notes go a long way at a Pentecost Martyrs Stadium event. Crowds are large, the surrounding infrastructure is dense, and timing your arrival makes a real difference to the experience.
 

  • Getting There: The stadium is approximately 20 km from N’djili International Airport. A taxi or private car is the recommended option.
  • Tickets: Available at the stadium gates on LINAFOOT match days. International matches sell out quickly and should be booked through official channels in advance.
  • Safety: Travel with a local guide or use hotel-arranged transport. Avoid carrying valuables, and arrive early to avoid crowd surges.
  • Best Sections: Tribune Officielle and Tribune d'Honneur offer the best views and most comfortable seating in the stadium.

Nearby Attraction: Stade Tata Raphaël

 

About 2 km from Stade des Martyrs stands Stade Tata Raphaël, the historic venue of the Rumble in the Jungle. On 30 October 1974, Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman here in the legendary heavyweight championship bout. The stadium is still standing and can be visited as part of a wider exploration of Kinshasa's sporting history.

 

A football stadium from the stands capturing the fields and showcasing the yellow seats
Facade image of Kertelsuites with a vast swimming pool in the foreground on a late evening.

Stay at KertelSuites for Match Day or Concert Night

 

For travellers planning a visit to the Kinshasa stadium, KertelSuites in Gombe is approximately 4 km from the venue. Our prime location keeps you close enough for an unhurried evening transfer and far enough from the post-match crowd to make the return easy.

Our travel desk arranges transport to and from the stadium for both football and concert nights. The rooftop pool is the easiest way to unwind after the event, and the Aria bar works well for pre-match drinks. Dinner pairs naturally with Méli-Mélo, and a late return is straightforward thanks to the 24-hour front desk, which is particularly useful for guests heading back after evening concerts and relaxing in our rooms and suites.

 

Whether you arrive for a DRC Léopards qualifier, a high-stakes Kinshasa derby, or a concert that keeps the city awake long into the night, Stade des Martyrs offers a glimpse into the scale, energy, and cultural heartbeat of Kinshasa. From its remarkable history and immense capacity to the unforgettable atmosphere on event days, it remains one of the city's defining landmarks. For a convenient and comfortable base within easy reach of the action, make KertelSuites your base in Kinshasa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Where is Stade des Martyrs located?
Stade des Martyrs is located in the Lingwala commune of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, close to the national parliament building. The stadium sits about 20 km from N’djili International Airport.

What is the Kinshasa stadium capacity?
The capacity of Stade des Martyrs is approximately 80,000 seats, making it the largest in the Democratic Republic of Congo and one of Africa's largest stadiums.

Why was the stadium renamed Stade des Martyrs?
The Kinshasa stadium was renamed in 1997 following the fall of Mobutu Sese Seko, in honour of four ministers, Évariste Kimba, Jérôme Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba, who were publicly executed on the site on Pentecost in 1966.

When was the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium built?
The Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa was built between 1988 and 1993 with Chinese government support. It was originally named Stade Kamanyola before being renamed in 1997.

Which teams play at Stade des Martyrs?
Stade des Martyrs is the home ground of the DRC Léopards national team, AS Vita Club (V.Club), and DC Motema Pembe (DCMP). The Kinshasa stadium also hosts LINAFOOT Ligue 1 matches regularly throughout the season.

When did Pope Francis visit Stade des Martyrs?
Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on 2 February 2023, during his pastoral visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Where to stay when visiting Stade des Martyrs?
KertelSuites, located in Gombe, is around 4 km from Stade des Martyrs, offering convenient access for football matches and concerts. Guests can arrange stadium transfers through our travel desk, enjoy pre-event drinks at Aria bar, unwind at our rooftop pool afterwards, and benefit from a 24-hour front desk for late-night returns.

How far is Stade des Martyrs from KertelSuites?
Stade des Martyrs is roughly 4 km from KertelSuites in Gombe, Kinshasa. Taxis and private transfers are the recommended way to reach the Kinshasa stadium.