Newcastle United internationals: Yoane Wissa was back in action with DR Congo for the first time since his injury back in September.
Yoane Wissa marked his return to action for DR Congo with a goal in a friendly win over Bermuda ahead of next week’s crucial World Cup play-off match.
The Newcastle forward saw his club debut delayed by three months after he suffered a serious knee injury while away on international duty with DR Congo just days after his £55million arrival from Brentford.
The injury came in September after Wissa started two matches in the space of four days despite not having a pre-season or playing any matches since May.
Wissa ended up returning to fitness ahead of the African Cup of Nations in December but a decision was made between all parties to keep the player at Newcastle to work on his fitness and make an impact at club level.
Despite initially positive signs with goals on his full debuts in the Carabao Cup, Premier League and Champions League, Wissa has struggled to make an impact since with no goals and limited gametime since January.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Yoane Wissa scores on DR Congo return
Going away on international duty with DR Congo was a chance for Wissa to get some minutes under his belt for an important match.
DR Congo claimed a 2-0 win over Bermuda on Wednesday evening with Wissa converting a second half penalty. Last season, only golden boot winner Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League that Wissa, who netted 19.
But he has scored just once in the league for Newcastle this season in what has been a frustrating campaign both individually for Wissa and collectively for the club.
But the 29-year-old could build on his penalty goal by helping DR Congo secure a World Cup spot for the first time since 1974.
On Tuesday, they face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in Zapopan, Mexico, for a spot in this summer’s tournament in North America.
DR Congo FIFA complaint dropped
DR Congo’s World Cup play-off match will go ahead after an appeal from the Nigeria Football Federation was rejected by FIFA.
DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties back in November to advance to the inter-confederation play-off match for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria submitted a formal complaint to FIFA that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who are both former England youth internationals. Congolese law prohibits dual citizenship despite the pair both representing the country at the African Cup of Nations earlier this season without any complaints.
Nigeria’s complaint was submitted despite two of their most notable players, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, being former England youth internationals.
FIFA reviewed the appeal before rejecting it and allowing DR Congo to compete in the play-off match as planned.
Continue Reading