In the build-up to the eagerly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to unfold in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024, African football luminaries showcased their prowess across various European leagues over the weekend.
Notably, Egyptian maestro Mohamed Salah, despite featuring in the Liverpool-Manchester United clash, remained uncharacteristically silent as the encounter concluded in a goalless draw.
In the German Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen, led by Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, maintained their foothold at the summit by securing a 3-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Malian Abdoulaye Doucouré played a pivotal role in Everton’s triumph over Wolverhampton (3-0), contributing a goal to secure the win.
Chelsea’s Senegalese forward, Nicolas Jackson, scored the second goal, propelling his team to success against West Ham United (2-0).
In the French Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille secured a 2-1 victory over Clermont Foot, with Moroccan Amine Harit finding the net for OM.
Meanwhile, Beninese striker Steve Mounié propelled Brest to a 2-0 win against Nantes, aiding their ascent in the league standings.
Le Havre showcased a dazzling performance, securing a 3-1 victory against Nice, with Guinean striker Mohamed Bayo contributing a goal.
Italian Serie A witnessed Napoli’s narrow 2-1 triumph over Cagliari, with Nigerian Victor Osimhen making a decisive impact.
In Belgium, RWDM dominated Saint-Trond (3-0), powered by Senegalese Makhtar Gueye’s stellar performance, including a double.
Union Sainte-Gilloise, led by Algerian Mohamed Amoura, maintained their leadership position with a 1-0 victory against FC Mechelen.
The Netherlands’ Eredivisie saw PSV Eindhoven, the current table-toppers, drawing 1-1 against Vizela.
South African Kobamelo Kodisang contributed to Vitória Guimarães’ 5-2 triumph over Portimonense in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
The Moroccan duo of Ismaël Saibari and Bilal Ould-Chikh played vital roles in their respective teams’ victories in the Dutch Eerste Divisie.
In Cyprus, APOEL Nicosia clinched a 1-0 victory against Paphos, courtesy of Moroccan Issam Chebake’s decisive goal.
Geoffrey Acheampong, the Ghanaian sensation, notched two goals for Sliema Wanderers in their 4-1 win over Naxxar Lions in the Maltese Premier League.
As the AFCON draws near, the stellar performances of these African football talents offer a glimpse of the excitement and skill that fans can anticipate in the continental extravaganza.
