Yoane Wissa scores first Newcastle goal in Carabao Cup win

Yoane Wissa will unfortunately not be in Morocco with DR Congo for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but the Congolese forward opened his account for Newcastle United on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup).

After making a couple of substitute appearances upon his return from a long-term injury, the big-money signing got his first start and opened the scoring in a 2-1 victory for the Magpies against Fulham. The Premier League club are through to the semifinals following the win, which came courtesy of a second half stoppage time winner from Lewis Miley.

Wissa was rewarded with a stroke of fortune in the 10th minute. A low cross from the right wing was poorly dealt with by Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lacomte, who parried the ball off the former Brentford star and into the goal.

Sasa Lukic equalized for Fulham in the first half but Miley sent the Tyneside club through to the final four. Chelsea and Manchester City are the other teams who have punched their tickets to the semifinals, with Arsenal and Crystal Palace set to clash in the final quarterfinal on December 23.

It has been a long layoff for Wissa, who arrived for a transfer fee close to €60 million before the ongoing season. He could be a big boost for his club, who are underachieving in 12th place on the Premier League table while also competing in the ongoing UEFA Champions League’s main stage.