African stars make an immediate impact in Europa League opener

African players made a strong start to the new Europa League campaign, contributing goals, assists and influential performances during the opening matchday of the league phase.

From Portugal and Belgium to Hungary, five internationals stood out for their decisive contributions to their clubs’ results.

Bamidele Yusuf

Bamidele Yusuf produced a complete attacking display as Ferencvaros defeated Celtic Glasgow 3-1.

The Nigerian scored one goal and set up another, directly influencing two of his side’s goals against a Scottish club with extensive European experience. His performance underlined his growing importance within the Hungarian side’s attacking system.

Yusuf has already made a significant contribution this season, with five goals and three assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Junior Olaitan

Junior Olaitan played a central role in Besiktas’ 4-1 victory over OM, supplying two assists during an impressive attacking performance by the Turkish side.

The Benin international first created the opening goal for Ilhan Fakili before providing another assist for Ernest Poku to complete the scoring. Olaitan’s vision from the number 10 position proved particularly valuable against a strong Marseille team on paper.

The midfielder has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign and has now recorded six assists in all competitions.

Relebohile Mofokeng

Relebohile Mofokeng scored as Union Saint-Gilloise secured a 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen.

The South African international started the match and found the net to help his club to a convincing victory. His goal further highlighted his development on the European stage, with the Brussels club continuing to provide a platform for emerging talent.

Mofokeng, who joined Union Saint-Gilloise this summer from Orlando Pirates, has now scored four times for the club this season. The 21-year-old is increasingly establishing himself as an important attacking option.

Souffian El Karouani

Souffian El Karouani provided an assist in Benfica’s 2-0 win against AC Milan, making a decisive contribution on his first start for the Portuguese club this season.

The Moroccan full-back, who is on loan from Al Qadsiah, was one of Benfica’s best performers during a commanding victory over one of European football’s historic clubs. His attacking drive and accuracy helped his team secure a clear result.

The assist was El Karouani’s first goal contribution of the season.

Mohamed Ouedraogo

Mohamed Ouedraogo also influenced the outcome for his team by setting up a goal in Olympique Lyonnais’ 2-1 victory over Anderlecht.

The result gave Lyon a narrow but valuable win, with the Burkina Faso international’s contribution proving important in a closely contested match.

It was the third start for the 23-year-old left-back since he joined the club this summer from SCR Altach.