Yoane Wissa leads DR Congo’s charge into last 32 against England after bruising club year | OneFootball

Yoane Wissa will lead DR Congo against England in the World Cup last 32 today after a turbulent club year. According to NY Times, the 29-year-old now faces the biggest moment of his career.

At only their second World Cup, and first since 1974 as Zaire, Wissa has three goals, including an equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Portugal.

Needing victory to progress, he won and converted a penalty against Uzbekistan, Fiston Mayele then put DR Congo ahead before Wissa’s stoppage-time strike sealed it. He dedicated the night to supporters and spoke of East Congo’s conflict and a desire for peace.

Wissa joined Newcastle from Brentford for £55m but a knee injury and selection calls left him with one goal in 19 league matches. He returned in December and skipped AFCON to work on fitness.

His journey has been arduous, including an acid attack in July 2021 that required emergency eye surgery before a full recovery. He later became a favourite at Brentford and helped DR Congo qualify via March’s play-off against Jamaica.

For his country he partners Cedric Bakambu, having never started with Nick Woltemade at Newcastle. His movement as a nine-and-a-half could test Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and John Stones, and Paraguay’s shock win over Germany is a warning, with Ivan Toney on England’s bench.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre says Wissa is close to his best again and a leading figure. He will hope to clear one more obstacle in Atlanta today.

Source: NY Times