The Democratic Republic of Congo will face a challenging path in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after being drawn into Group D alongside Benin, Botswana, and Senegal. The draw has sparked a range of reactions, with Brentford striker Yoanne Wissa offering his thoughts on the opposition.
Wissa, who plays for the Premier League club, expressed his belief that the group presents both an exciting and tough challenge for the Leopards. “It’s an interesting group,” he said, acknowledging the strengths of each team. “We are meeting Senegal, a very strong team, with many quality players. It is a great nation in African football, which has always shown its potential. We are expecting a very tough match.”
The group stages of the tournament are set to test DR Congo’s resilience, with Senegal seen as one of the tournament favorites. The West African side, ranked among the best teams in Africa, boasts a squad full of talent playing in top leagues across Europe. Senegal’s strength on paper makes them the most formidable opponent in the group, but Wissa and his teammates are not intimidated.
In addition to the challenge posed by Senegal, DR Congo will also face Benin and Botswana. While not as highly ranked as Senegal, both teams will present their own unique challenges, making Group D one of the more competitive sections of the competition.
Wissa, who has been a key figure for Brentford in the Premier League, will be expected to bring his experience to the DR Congo squad, and he is keenly aware of the task ahead. The striker’s focus is on preparing for the challenges ahead, understanding the importance of each match, and maintaining a positive outlook.
As DR Congo look ahead to their AFCON campaign, they will be determined to make an impact in a tough group. The upcoming matches will provide them with the opportunity to prove themselves against some of Africa’s best teams, and Wissa’s experience could prove to be a crucial asset as they look to advance deep into the tournament.