WATCH: Yoane Wissa scores for DR Congo and pays tribute to Congolese legend
Yoane Wissa was back among the goals for DR Congo on Thursday, opening the scoring just four minutes into their AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone.
The Newcastle striker marked the occasion with a special celebration, paying tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first Prime Minister and an important figure in Congolese history.
Wissa scores for DR Congo in AFCON qualifier
Wissa needed just four minutes to make his mark, finding the net early as DR Congo took control of their meeting with Sierra Leone.
The 30-year-old then celebrated by imitating Lumumba, with an image of the historic Congolese leader also displayed inside the stadium.
Lumumba was assassinated in 1961, but remains an important figure in the country’s history. Wissa’s celebration was a tribute to his legacy and the significance he continues to hold for many Congolese people.
The goal helped DR Congo on their way to a 3-1 victory, extending their perfect start to AFCON qualifying after wins in their opening two matches.
It was another positive moment for Wissa on the international stage, where he has regularly delivered goals and important contributions for his country.
Wissa must recapture early-season form
After a bright start to 2026/27, Newcastle will be hoping this goal can help him rediscover the form he showed at the beginning of the season.
He made an encouraging start to the campaign after a frankly dreadful 2025/26, providing an assist against Liverpool before scoring against Tottenham in our opening two games.
He looked sharper, fitter and quicker in those opening games. Unfortunately, however, we have seen much less of that player in recent weeks.
Wissa has struggled in the No.10 role of late, while his body language and some of his decision-making have been frustrating. He's made som selfish decisions in situations where bringing others into play would have been the better option, spurining big opportunities to pass against Aston Villa and Everton.
The former Brentford striker has also gone without a goal since missing his penalty against Hull, and we need much more from a forward who arrived with such an impressive goalscoring record, convincing us to spend £55m last summer.
Hopefully, this latest international goal can provide a confidence boost. We know Wissa can score goals at this level, we just need to start seeing it in a Newcastle shirt, and fast.
