Yoane Wissa set to miss key AFCON 2025 qualifiers for DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a setback ahead of their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, as key winger Yoane Wissa is expected to be sidelined for the crucial matches in October and potentially even November. Wissa’s absence comes as a significant blow to the Leopards, who are preparing for a double-header against Tanzania next month.
The 27-year-old, who has earned 27 caps and scored five goals for his national team, is a versatile player known for his attacking prowess.
His unavailability for the October qualifiers, which mark the third and fourth matchdays of the AFCON 2025 qualification campaign, is likely to impact the team’s performance.
The uncertainty also extends to the final two qualifiers in November, where DR Congo will face Guinea and Ethiopia.
Wissa’s absence from the squad comes at a time when he has been in exceptional form.
The forward had a standout season last year and has continued his impressive run this year, netting three goals in his first four appearances.
His contributions have been vital not only for his club but also for the national team.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank expressed his concern over losing Wissa, stating, “Wissa had a great season last year and has started very well this year, with three goals in four games.
That’s an impressive number. He’s been very important for us, and his absence will leave a big void.”
Sébastien Desabre, the head coach of the DR Congo national team, is also likely to feel the impact of Wissa’s absence.
The 27-year-old has been a regular fixture in the Leopards’ lineup and has not been left out of the squad since October 2023.
Wissa’s versatility on the pitch has been crucial in Desabre’s tactical setup, and finding a suitable replacement for these key matches will be a challenging task.
The absence of a player of Wissa’s caliber is a setback for DR Congo as they aim to secure a spot in the AFCON 2025 tournament.
With two critical fixtures against Tanzania up next, the Leopards will need to adapt their strategy to compensate for the loss of one of their star players.
The team will also have to be prepared for the possibility that Wissa might miss the November matches against Guinea and Ethiopia, which could be decisive in their qualification campaign.
The loss of Wissa for these qualifiers puts additional pressure on the DR Congo squad to step up and fill the gap left by the talented winger.
As the Leopards look to navigate this challenging period without one of their key attackers, both the coaching staff and players will have to work together to ensure they stay on course for AFCON 2025 qualification.
Thomas Frank says he ‘will find solutions’ with Wissa set for a spell on the sidelines ⤵
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 16, 2024
