DR Congo Prioritizes Wissa’s Fitness Ahead of World Cup Playoffs

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has opted to exclude forward Yoane Wissa from their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, prioritizing his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs scheduled for March 2024. Coach Sebastien Desabre explained that while the decision was difficult, it was made with the best interests of both the player and the national team in mind.

Wissa’s Injury and Recovery

Wissa, 29, sustained a knee injury while playing against Senegal during a World Cup qualifier in early September. He made his return to competitive football just three weeks ago as a substitute for Newcastle United in a victory over Burnley. Since then, he has appeared in two additional Premier League matches and scored in a League Cup quarter-final against Fulham. Despite his recent contributions, Desabre emphasized the importance of caution in Wissa’s recovery.

“We kept in close touch with the medical staff of Newcastle over the months and made the decision to carefully follow the medical protocols,” Desabre said at a press conference in Tangier ahead of the Cup of Nations match against Senegal. “It was a difficult decision, and I know he is disappointed not to be here with his teammates, but he understands.”

DR Congo faces Senegal on Saturday in their second Group D match at the Cup of Nations, a highly anticipated encounter following their previous meeting in World Cup qualification. In that match, Senegal rallied from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 in Kinshasa, securing a spot in next year’s World Cup finals, which will be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Looking Ahead to World Cup Playoffs

Despite the setback in the previous qualifier, DR Congo has recently secured their place in the African World Cup playoffs for the best runners-up. In November, they achieved notable victories against Cameroon and Nigeria, which bolstered their confidence leading into their playoff match scheduled for March 2024 against either Jamaica or New Caledonia.

Desabre expressed optimism about his team’s prospects, stating, “The players are revelling in playing in the Cup of Nations finals and then maybe… maybe in six months’ time at the World Cup as well. We have shown we are capable of getting results against the top teams in Africa.” He underscored the team’s technical capabilities and recent achievements, indicating that the absence of Wissa will be a strategic decision aimed at long-term success.

As DR Congo prepares for their crucial playoff match, the focus remains on ensuring that Wissa is at peak performance, ready to contribute to the team’s aspirations in the World Cup.