Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa has been left out of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The 29‑year‑old joined Newcastle on the final day of the summer transfer window for £55 million, but has not featured for the club since sustaining an injury in a World Cup qualifier against Senegal on 9 September. Although he has returned to training, the DR Congo football federation confirmed that it is too late to add him to the AFCON roster.
Wissa’s omission is unsurprising given his limited playing time this season. He has appeared in only two matches, both for DR Congo in the September World Cup qualifiers. Before moving to Newcastle, he barely trained with his former club Brentford during pre‑season and missed all three of their Premier League games as he pursued a transfer.
The DR Congo squad, announced on Monday evening, features several Premier League players, including Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, Aaron Wan‑Bissaka of West Ham, and Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley. While Wissa’s experience and potential would have been valuable, his absence leaves a notable gap that the team must fill.
The Africa Cup of Nations is a prestigious international tournament, and DR Congo will face stiff competition in Morocco. With the squad now finalized, the team will concentrate on strategy and tactics as they prepare for the competition. Fans and supporters will be watching closely, and the tournament is expected to attract football enthusiasts worldwide, with particular interest from African football fans.
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