Football · Houston and Kinshasa
DR Congo forward scores nation's first World Cup goal five years after acid attack nearly blinded him
Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal as they drew 1-1 with Portugal in Houston, capping a remarkable comeback from an acid attack that nearly cost him his sight five years ago.
AI text based on reports by Al Jazeera Online, La Libre.be, Libertatea and other publishers. Published . How it is made
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In brief
Yoane Wissa headed in DR Congo's first ever World Cup goal to equalise against Portugal in the group stage.
Five years after an attacker threw acid in his face and tried to kidnap his daughter, Wissa's journey to the top took a brutal turn.
The Leopards earned their first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw after Joao Neves had put Portugal ahead.
Teammates and coaches lauded Wissa's character and refusal to give up after the devastating injury.
- 1 JulWoman attacks Wissa with acid at his home, trying to kidnap his daughter; he suffers severe eye burns.
- 1 JanLaëtitia Penvern sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempted murder and kidnapping.
- 17 JunWissa scores DR Congo's first World Cup goal, equalising against Portugal in Houston.
Historic goal for DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo returned to the World Cup after a 52-year absence and earned their first point in a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston. Yoane Wissa's second-half header cancelled out Joao Neves's early opener, making Wissa the first Congolese player ever to score at the tournament.
Acid attack survivor
Wissa's journey to this moment is remarkable. On 1 July 2021, a woman entered his home, attempted to kidnap his daughter, and threw acid in his face. He suffered chemical burns that required emergency eye surgery and left him temporarily blind.
“When she throws the liquid, I feel like it burns, but with the adrenaline, I feel nothing. Then it burned and I couldn't breathe.”
The attacker, Laëtitia Penvern, was convicted in January 2025 and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Road to recovery
The attack delayed his transfer to the Premier League, but Wissa eventually joined Newcastle United. His former Lorient manager Christophe Pelissier recalled visiting him in hospital and seeing his determination. Teammate Pierre-Yves Hamel said Wissa never complained.
“Even though he was physically and mentally affected, Yoane quickly showed his determination to succeed.”
Match reaction
After the Houston stalemate, Wissa expressed pride.
“We showed courage and tenacity. Having scored our first goal is a huge source of pride, because it reflects the character of this team.”
The result sparked celebrations in the capital Kinshasa, where fans poured into the streets.
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Sources and context
- Al Jazeera OnlineYoane Wassi: An acid attack survivor who made World Cup history for DR Congo
- La Libre.beCoupe du monde 2026 - Le buteur congolais Yoane Wissa fier du résultat "Nous avons fait preuve de courage"
- LibertateaBucurie de nedescris la Kinshasa, atacantul Yoane Wissa e erou național în Republica Democrată Congo
- Ouest FrancePortugal - RD Congo. Premier buteur congolais en Coupe du monde, qui est Yoane Wissa ?
- Yoane Wissa
- DR Congo forward and Newcastle United player who scored his country's first World Cup goal.
- Joao Neves
- Portuguese midfielder who scored the opening goal for Portugal.
- Laëtitia Penvern
- Attacker who threw acid in Wissa's face and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
- Christophe Pelissier
- Former manager of FC Lorient who praised Wissa's determination.
- Pierre-Yves Hamel
- Former Lorient teammate who commended Wissa's resilience.
- Places
- Houston
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