It was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for African stars across Europe’s top leagues. While some celebrated crucial goals and assists, others faced frustration as the season intensifies.
Premier League: Salah’s Drought Continues
At Anfield, it was a forgettable afternoon for Mohamed Salah. Liverpool endured a shocking 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, compounding a difficult start to the campaign. The Egyptian forward, who claimed the Golden Boot last season with 29 goals, has struggled to find his rhythm this term.
Salah remains stuck on four league goals, with his last strike coming against Aston Villa on November 1. The defeat leaves the Reds languishing in 11th place after 12 rounds, having already suffered six losses.
Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Boot is being led by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland with 14 goals. The top-scoring African in the league is currently Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has netted six times.
Fulham’s Nigerian Connection In London, Samuel Chukwueze made an immediate impact off the bench for Fulham. The Nigerian winger delivered a perfectly weighted cross in the 84th minute, setting up Raul Jimenez for the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage. Fellow Nigerians Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi also featured as starters, helping the Cottagers secure all three points.
Burnley’s Struggles At Turf Moor, Burnley manager Scott Parker turned to African talent in a bid to salvage a result against Chelsea. South African striker Lyle Foster and Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri were introduced as substitutes with the team trailing 1-0. However, neither could turn the tide, and the visitors added a late second goal to seal the win, keeping Burnley under pressure.
Bundesliga: Jackson Seals Bayern Comeback
In Germany, Nicolas Jackson played a key role in a stunning turnaround for Bayern Munich. The Senegal striker, currently on loan from Chelsea, put the finishing touches on a massive 6-2 victory over Freiburg.
Bayern found themselves two goals down and facing their first defeat of the season before shifting gears. The defending champions scored six unanswered goals, with Jackson tapping in the fifth in the 78th minute. It marked his second league goal of the season and his fourth in all competitions.
Tapsoba on Target Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba continued his rich vein of scoring form during a 3-1 away win at Wolfsburg. The Burkina Faso international doubled his side’s lead in the 24th minute, rising highest to head a cross into the top corner. It was his third goal in his last seven appearances.
Ligue 1: Highs and Lows for Lens
In France, Burkina Faso defender Ismaelo Ganiou proved to be the match-winner for Lens. He struck the only goal in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory over Strasbourg. The win lifts Lens to third in the table, just two points behind the league leaders.
However, it was a different story for his teammate, Guinea striker Morgan Guilavogui. After coming off the bench, Guilavogui’s afternoon ended early when he was sent off in stoppage time for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Aubameyang Bounces Back Elsewhere, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put recent international disappointments behind him. The veteran Gabon striker opened the scoring for Marseille in a dominant 5-1 rout of Nice. The victory keeps Marseille second in the standings, edging out Lens on goal difference.
Young Moroccan Star Shines Rennes also enjoyed a productive weekend, thanks in part to Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal. The Moroccan youngster broke the deadlock after just 20 minutes, setting the tone for a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Monaco. The result moves Rennes up to sixth place, leapfrogging their opponents in the table.
Barcelona Boost: Flick Confirms Lamine Yamal Return for La Liga Clash
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
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Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
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