World Cup 2026: Timothy Fayulu, the hero for DR Congo against Nigeria
During the penalty shootout against Nigeria, DR Congo’s coaching staff made a bold gamble: they substituted goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi for Timothy Fayulu just minutes before the start of the shootout lottery.
The move paid off handsomely. Fayulu saved two crucial penalties, propelling DR Congo to victory in the shootout and securing their place in the final of the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. His intervention changed the course of the match and turned Fayulu into the hero of the night.
🚨À 26 ans, Timothy Fayulu a été le héro de la RDC face au Nigéria en arrêtant deux tirs au but des Nigérians😍😍 .
Bravo @timothyfayulu
Guadalajara y Monterey…. Estamos viniendo 🇨🇩🔥@DidierBudimbupic.twitter.com/UNLbAq4ECx
— Jonathan Masiala (@jomasiala4) November 16, 2025
His talent and the coaching staff’s daring decision have been praised everywhere. Thanks to this achievement, DR Congo can now dream bigger, and Fayulu now carries the hopes of an entire nation.
Entré avant la séance de tirs au but, le gardien de BUT : Timothy Fayulu est devenu le HÉROS de sa NATION ce soir ! 🇨🇩❤️ pic.twitter.com/FKE23yJbiU
— Diego kayiba (@diego_kayiba) November 17, 2025
