DRC: The Leopards slow to act as Matthieu Epolo edges closer to Belgium | OneFootball

Standard's goalkeeper still hesitating between two national teams

DRC: The Leopards slow to act as Matthieu Epolo edges closer to Belgium

At Standard Liège, the tradition of outstanding goalkeepers lives on. This season, Matthieu Epolo has cemented his position as the team's starter, despite a few challenges he faced last year.

At just 20 years old, he’s already emerging as a highly promising talent and is catching the eye of national selectors. The young shot-stopper, who was developed in Belgium and has already featured for the Belgian Red Devils' youth squads, was included in DR Congo’s preliminary squad for the upcoming international break. However, when it came to the final selection, the Leopards’ staff left him out, opting for other candidates.

Epolo could now join the Belgian U21s, further strengthening his ties to football in his native country. But the debate over his international future is far from settled. While Rudi Garcia, Belgium’s head coach, has yet to call him up to the senior team, the Standard keeper could become a credible alternative in the coming years.

With Thibaut Courtois still around but approaching the twilight of his career, the succession is quietly taking shape. The big question: will Epolo seize his chance with Belgium, or will he ultimately decide to defend the goal for the DRC? One thing is certain—his decision will have a major impact on his international career.