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Yoane Wissa: 'I'm making up for it tonight in the most beautiful way' after scoring historic World Cup goal

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Congolese forward Yoane Wissa scored a crucial equalizer against Portugal in the World Cup, becoming the first Congolese player to score in the tournament.
  • Wissa described the goal as a "huge pride" and a way to compensate for missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.
  • He emphasized the team's resilience and combativeness, stating they fought not just for themselves but for all 100 million Congolese people.

Congolese striker Yoane Wissa described his equalizer against Portugal in the World Cup as a moment of "huge pride" for his nation, marking him as the first Congolese player to score in the tournament's history. The goal, scored on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, is seen by Wissa as a personal redemption after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.

I'm making up for it tonight in the most beautiful way.

— Yoane WissaReflecting on scoring the equalizer after missing the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.

"I'm making up for it tonight in the most beautiful way," Wissa told reporters after the match. He highlighted the significance of the goal, attributing it to hard work, selflessness, and resilience. "It's a very big pride because we showed a beautiful image tonight of resilience, of combativeness," he added.

It's a very big pride because we showed a beautiful image tonight of resilience, of combativeness.

— Yoane WissaDescribing the significance of his World Cup goal for the team and country.

Wissa acknowledged Portugal's superior team strength but stressed the importance of the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) fighting spirit. "We just had to show a lot of combativeness and resilience, even if it wasn't going well, to keep pushing," he stated. He and his teammates aimed to create a new chapter for Congo, fighting for the 100 million citizens back home.

We just had to show a lot of combativeness and resilience, even if it wasn't going well, to keep pushing.

— Yoane WissaExplaining the team's strategy and mindset during the match against Portugal.

Born in France in 1996, Yoane Wissa is an established international forward known for his speed and power. He developed his career in France, playing for clubs like Châteauroux, Angers, and Lorient, before moving to the Premier League with Brentford in 2021. He joined Newcastle United in 2025 and has represented the DRC national team since 2020.

Tonight, we know that we are not just fighting for the 26 players who are here, but for the 100 million Congolese people who are at home, in the fan zones. So, today, it's a huge pride.

— Yoane WissaEmphasizing the national significance of the team's performance and his goal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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