The Newcastle United forward joined Chancel Mbemba on the scoresheet, securing a dominant Group E victory and a perfect start to the Leopards' continental qualifying campaign.
Yoane Wissa continued his impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign by getting on the scoresheet for the Democratic Republic of Congo as they opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
The Newcastle United forward scored DR Congo’s second goal during Thursday’s Group E encounter at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, helping Sébastien Desabre’s side secure three points and a clean sheet.
Wissa’s goal arrived in the 72nd minute after DR Congo had already established control of the contest through an early Chancel Mbemba header. The captain put the hosts ahead inside the opening four minutes, rising to meet a set-piece delivery and giving Equatorial Guinea an uphill battle from the outset.
The Newcastle United attacker then provided the decisive moment in the second half.
A move involving former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka eventually created the opening for Wissa inside the penalty area. The Newcastle forward showed composure with his first touch before producing a low finish into the bottom corner to double DR Congo’s advantage.
The goal was particularly encouraging for Newcastle, with Wissa continuing to demonstrate his ability to contribute in front of goal both domestically and internationally.
The 29-year-old has already made an impact for Newcastle United under Matthias Jaissle this season, and his latest international goal gives the Magpies another reason to be pleased with his current form. Wissa has established himself as an important attacking option for Newcastle, with his movement, pace and ability to operate across the forward line providing Jaissle with additional flexibility.
DR Congo could have won by a wider margin, having struck the woodwork twice and had two efforts ruled out for offside. Equatorial Guinea struggled to consistently threaten the hosts, although goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo was required to make a late save to preserve DR Congo’s clean sheet.
For Newcastle supporters, Wissa’s performance will be another positive development following his contributions during the opening weeks of the Premier League season. The forward has already shown that he can provide goals at St James’ Park, and his ability to carry that threat onto the international stage will be welcomed by the Newcastle coaching staff.
Wissa’s latest goal also comes at an important stage of his Newcastle career. With the Magpies competing on multiple fronts during the 2026/27 campaign, Jaissle will need goals from several areas of his squad. Wissa’s performance for DR Congo underlines the attacking qualities that Newcastle possess in their forward line.
The victory leaves DR Congo with three points from their opening Group E fixture, providing the perfect beginning to their AFCON qualifying campaign. They are scheduled to face Zimbabwe next, while Equatorial Guinea will look to respond against Sierra Leone.
For Newcastle United, meanwhile, the focus will quickly return to domestic action. But Wissa can head back to Tyneside with confidence after finding the net for his country.
After scoring against Equatorial Guinea, the Newcastle forward will be hoping to take that international momentum back into the club campaign and continue making his mark under Jaissle.
For Newcastle fans, another competitive performance and goal from Wissa can only strengthen the feeling that the DR Congo international is becoming an increasingly important part of Newcastle United’s attacking options.
