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Ezechiel Banzuzi set to debut for DR Congo national team

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 10:19 AM

Last updated Sep 22, 2026

Ezechiel Banzuzi set to debut for DR Congo national team

Summary

Ezechiel Banzuzi has been called up to the DR Congo senior squad for the first time, marking his decision to represent the nation of his family's origin. Banzuzi, a 21-year-old midfielder born in the Netherlands, previously played for Dutch youth teams but has now chosen to play for DR Congo after discussions with his family. He announced his decision on social media, expressing his pride in embracing his heritage. DR Congo's next matches are qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, starting with a home game against Equatorial Guinea on September 24.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Banzuzi expresses pride in representing DR Congo as 'Mwana Mboka'.
•His family’s support played a crucial role in his decision to switch national teams.
•He previously represented the Netherlands at youth levels.
•DR Congo will face Equatorial Guinea on September 24 and Zimbabwe on September 28.
•Both matches are part of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Latest Updates

10:19 AMYahoo Sports — “Mwana Mboka” – Ezechiel Banzuzi set for first DR Congo appearance

What they're saying

"
“Mwana Mboka” – meaning “child of the country”. Those were the words Ezechiel Banzuzi used on social media to announce his decision. Our midfielder will now represent DR Congo, the country h...
— Yahoo Sports

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