Swiss Cup: Congolese striker Mitchy Ntelo helps Yverdon stun Servette Geneva
Yverdon delivered one of the standout results of the Swiss Cup last 16 by defeating top-flight Servette Geneva 1-0, with Congolese forward Mitchy Ntelo playing a part in a memorable upset.
The second-division side entered the contest as clear underdogs against a Servette team enjoying a strong start in the Swiss Super League.
Yet Yverdon produced a disciplined, determined performance that earned them a famous victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
Ntelo, who has expressed his desire to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo at international level, featured in the closing stages of the encounter.
Brought on with 15 minutes to play, the 22-year-old striker contributed to a gritty defensive effort as Yverdon held firm under late pressure from their higher-ranked opponents.
The match was defined by Yverdon’s resilience and composure. Servette, a club with deep history and genuine ambitions in this competition, began strongly and looked likely to impose their superiority.
However, Yverdon’s defensive organisation and willingness to fight for every ball gradually shifted the momentum.
The decisive moment came midway through the contest, when the second-tier side capitalised on a rare chance and struck what would prove to be the winning goal.
From that point onwards, it became a test of endurance and focus. Servette, desperate to avoid a shock elimination, pushed hard for an equaliser.
Yet Yverdon’s players, aware of the opportunity to create history, maintained remarkable discipline.
Their ability to withstand waves of attacks reflected not only tactical preparation but also an admirable mental strength.
Head coach and players alike will consider this victory a psychological turning point.
Overcoming one of Switzerland’s established clubs on such a stage highlights their potential and builds valuable confidence for the remainder of the season.
More than just a place in the next round, it symbolises the unity and character within the squad.
For Ntelo personally, the match was another step in his career progression.
Though his time on the pitch was brief, his involvement in such an important occasion reinforced his growing reputation.
Having already declared his international allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo, he remains one of the young talents to watch as he continues his development in Switzerland.
Looking ahead, Yverdon will face another top-tier side, Lausanne Sport, in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, 3 December.
That tie offers another chance for the club to test themselves against elite opposition and potentially extend their fairytale run in the competition.
The fixture will be eagerly anticipated, as Yverdon aim to prove their victory over Servette was no isolated incident.
In the meantime, focus returns to league duties. Yverdon resume their second-division campaign with a home fixture against Stade Nyonnais on Sunday, 28 September, in the eighth round of the season.
Buoyed by their cup triumph, the squad will look to transfer the same spirit and resilience into their domestic push.
For now, however, the spotlight rightly falls on their achievement in the Swiss Cup. By eliminating Servette Geneva, Yverdon have written a new chapter in their history—one in which Mitchy Ntelo and his teammates demonstrated the value of courage, organisation, and belief against the odds.
