Matthieu Epolo eyes another start after impressive DRC debut

Matthieu Epolo could make a second consecutive start for the Democratic Republic of Congo when the Leopards face Zimbabwe on Monday, after the Standard Liège goalkeeper marked his international debut with a clean sheet.

The 21 year old was handed his first start for the Leopards in the 2 0 victory over Equatorial Guinea on 24 September, taking advantage of the absence of Lionel Mpasi.

Epolo played the full match at the Stade des Martyrs and produced a composed performance as DRC began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points.

He was called upon several times after the break, including to deal with a free kick in the 50th minute. He also made an important save during stoppage time to preserve his clean sheet.

His performance has now made him the sixth goalkeeper used by coach Sébastien Desabre since the Frenchman took charge of the Leopards in 2022.

Before Epolo, Desabre had selected Joël Kiassumbua, Siadi Baggio, Lionel Mpasi, Dimitry Bertaud and Timothy Fayulu.

Kiassumbua started Desabre’s first match as DRC coach against Mauritania in March 2023. Siadi Baggio later took over and featured in the 1 0 victory against Uganda in June that year.

Bertaud made his first appearances under Desabre in 2023 and later returned to a starting role, including the match against Senegal in September 2025.

Fayulu also made a notable contribution during the African play off for the 2026 World Cup. He came on in the final minute of extra time against Nigeria before saving two penalties.

Epolo had previously been selected for the 2026 World Cup alongside Mpasi and Fayulu, but had not yet appeared for the senior Leopards before the match against Equatorial Guinea.

His opportunity came at a difficult time for Desabre following Mpasi’s injury.

Mpasi, who has been regarded as one of the national team’s main goalkeeping options, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for Le Havre against Brest on 5 September. The injury is expected to keep him out for a lengthy period.

For the current international window, Desabre selected Epolo, Dimitry Bertaud and Nathan Ndibu as his goalkeeping options.

Fayulu, despite being part of the DRC squad at the 2026 World Cup, was not included for the matches against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe.

Bertaud therefore provides Desabre with the most experienced alternative to Epolo. The goalkeeper has previously worked under the coach and started against Senegal in September 2025.

The victory over Equatorial Guinea has now given Epolo an opportunity to build on his first senior international appearance.

Whether he starts again in Harare will depend on Desabre’s decision, with Bertaud still available as an experienced option.

A second consecutive appearance would give Epolo further experience with the Leopards and allow him to strengthen his position among the goalkeepers competing for regular international football.

However, the Zimbabwe match will not by itself establish a definitive order among DRC’s goalkeepers. For Epolo, it represents another opportunity to show why he has been trusted with the responsibility.