Kinshasa, DRC — The dreams of DR Congo football fans to witness the prowess of star striker Yoane Wissa at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been dashed as the national team coach announced his exclusion from the squad. Wissa, a Newcastle United forward, was dropped from the AFCON lineup, allowing him to focus on his recovery from a knee injury.
Wissa’s omission from the DR Congo squad comes as a significant blow to the team, which is preparing to face formidable opponents in Group D of the AFCON. The decision to bench the 25-year-old was made to ensure he can concentrate on his rehabilitation, which has been slower than anticipated. The injury, sustained during a match against Senegal in September, initially raised concerns about a potential ACL injury, but medical assessments revealed that Wissa has avoided long-term damage.
The injury has hampered Wissa’s ability to feature for Newcastle United, where he was acquired in a £55 million transfer from Brentford. Since his arrival, the Congolese striker has been unable to make his debut for the club, casting a shadow over his future with the English side. Despite the setback, Wissa’s exclusion from the AFCON squad has provided a silver lining for Newcastle United, as it means he will be available to contribute once he regains full fitness.
Wissa has been a key player for DR Congo, scoring crucial goals in recent international fixtures. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, which is aiming to build on its impressive performance at the 2023 AFCON, where it reached the quarter-finals. The national team’s campaign will now rely on the contributions of other attacking talents, including defender and occasional striker Christopher Samba.
The decision to leave Wissa out of the AFCON squad has also sparked a debate about the role of injured players in international football. Critics argue that prioritizing recovery over participation is a commendable approach, while others believe it could impact the team’s performance in the tournament. Regardless of the outcome, Wissa’s absence will be a major talking point as DR Congo prepares for its group-stage matches against Benin, Botswana, and Senegal.
Expert opinions suggest that Wissa’s recovery is crucial for both his club and country. “It’s important for Yoane to focus on his rehabilitation and not rush back into action,” said a football analyst. “His return to full fitness will be a massive boost for Newcastle United and DR Congo.”
As DR Congo prepares for the AFCON, fans and experts alike will be closely monitoring Wissa’s progress. His potential return to the national team will be eagerly anticipated, as it could provide the necessary spark for the Leopards to make a deep run in the tournament.
Source: Africa
Additional reporting by ImNews
