Timothy Fayulu declines the convocation of the DR Congo, for the qualifications of the CAN 2021. The Congolese of origin opts instead for the U21 selection of Switzerland, where he was also called up to take part in the qualifiers of Euro 2023.

This is a serious dilemma facing the Swiss-Congolese, author of 14 games with FC Sion in the Swiss league this season. But, the coach Christian N’sengi Biembe hoped so much to have Timothy Fayulu in reinforcement of the DRC for the qualifications of the CAN 2021. The Leopards must, indeed, move on March 25 in Gabon. Before ending in Kinshasa by welcoming Gambia. Except that at the same time, Fayulu is summoned by Switzerland. The Helvetians will face England on the road on March 25 and Croatia on March 28. Before receiving Portugal on March 31. The native of Geneva thus ends up joining the project presented by the Swiss Football Federation.

The choice of reason

“I had a meeting with the Swiss Federation which gave me a clear and straightforward speech. It was not easy for me, you have to understand that. But today, I am 100% Swiss international and I am proud to honor this selection. Either you understand or you don’t understand; That does not concern me s he indicates . Before continuing: Without forgetting that I am wholeheartedly with you in the Congo. And I hope you will qualify for the CAN. “

It is therefore a choice of reason rather than that of the heart. Indeed, Timothy Fayulu did not hide his enthusiasm after his first meeting with the DR Congo. It was in November 2019, on the occasion of the match of the first day of the CAN 2021 qualifiers against Gabon. And, the young FC Sion goalkeeper (21) was present in Kinshasa. Declining, then, at the time the call of the U20 selection of Switzerland.

But in the DRC, it was only a first contact with his teammates. He did not appear on the scoresheet due to an administrative problem. It is precisely this administrative problem that gave him a chance to play for Switzerland, because he had not played any official match with the DRC. It is the same for the selection A of Switzerland. So all is not lost for the Leopards.

In the meantime, the battle for qualification for CAN 2021 continues with these last two days of the playoffs. DRC are third in their group with six points behind their next two opponents, who each have seven points. To qualify, the Congolese will have to earn at least four points out of six possible in order to end up in Cameroon in January 2022.