Matthieu Epolo, a 20-year-old goalkeeper from the Standard de Liège in Belgium, made his debut for the DR Congo national team, the Léopards, in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifier against Equatorial Guinea. His inclusion in the starting lineup was expected following an injury to Lionel Mpasi Nzau. Epolo was third in the goalkeeper hierarchy, behind Timothy Fayulu, who was absent from the gathering. The young goalkeeper's promotion was seen as an opportunity to give him confidence and experience.
Epolo had a correct match, making two exceptional saves on a long-range free kick and a close-range shot. Despite not having much to do, he demonstrated his skills and impressed the fans. His performance was seen as a positive start to his international career, and he will look to build on this momentum in the next match against Zimbabwe. With his youthful age, Epolo is one of the youngest goalkeepers to have played in these qualifiers.
The DR Congo team won the match 2-0 against Equatorial Guinea, with the Léopards dominating the game and hitting the post twice. The win marked a successful start to their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign. The team's supporters were confident ahead of the match, and the players were motivated to perform well in front of their home crowd.
Epolo's decision to join the Léopards was seen as a bold move, as he had the opportunity to play for Belgium, his country of residence. However, he chose to represent the DR Congo, which is a source of pride for him and his family. His selection was welcomed by the fans, who are eager to see young players develop and make a name for themselves in international football.
The match was attended by a significant number of fans, with tickets priced at 69,000 FC. The supporters were enthusiastic and confident ahead of the match, and their team did not disappoint. The Léopards' players were motivated to perform well and make their fans proud.
The DR Congo team's coach and players were pleased with the win and Epolo's performance. They acknowledged that there was still room for improvement but were optimistic about their chances in the qualifying campaign. The team's next match against Zimbabwe will be an important test of their skills and teamwork.
The Léopards' victory was celebrated by the fans and the team, who observed a minute of silence in memory of cyclist Miguel Masaisa. The team's success was seen as a positive moment for Congolese football, and the fans are looking forward to future matches and the opportunity to support their team.
Key points
- Matthieu Epolo, a 20-year-old goalkeeper, made a strong impression in his first official match for the DR Congo national team.
- The DR Congo team won their first CAN 2027 qualifier against Equatorial Guinea 2-0.
- Epolo's performance was seen as a positive start to his international career, and he will look to build on this momentum in the next match.
