Nicolas Jackson leads African standouts in Champions League second round

African players played a prominent role in the second round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, held on 13 and 14 October 2026.

Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson was the standout performer after scoring twice in Aston Villa’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce on Wednesday. His goals helped Aston Villa establish a commanding lead before half-time and formed the centrepiece of an impressive team display.

Jackson opened his account in the 31st minute after being set up by Boubacar Kamara. The forward then struck again eight minutes later to complete his brace and put Aston Villa firmly in control.

The Senegal international’s performance was complemented by that of compatriot Ibrahim Mbaye, who started on the left wing. Mbaye provided the assist for Ross Barkley’s 72nd-minute goal, Aston Villa’s fifth of the evening, before being withdrawn later in the match.

It was a particularly successful night for the two Senegalese internationals as Aston Villa completed a comprehensive win over Fenerbahce.

On Tuesday, Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa also made his mark in the competition. The Feyenoord winger scored his side’s second goal against Como, controlling the situation before producing a composed finish after beating several defenders.

Feyenoord went on to win 3-2, while Hadj Moussa celebrated his first UEFA Champions League goal. The landmark strike marked an important moment in the Algerian’s European career.

Two more Senegalese players made decisive contributions during the second round, although neither ended the night with victory.

Assane Diao gave Como the lead against Feyenoord on Wednesday, but his involvement was cut short when he was forced to leave the pitch in the 23rd minute, only moments after scoring. Como ultimately lost the match 3-2.

Iliman Ndiaye, meanwhile, supplied an assist for Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. Ndiaye came on in the second half and helped create Manchester City’s second goal as the English side attempted to fight back.

His contribution was not enough to prevent defeat, but it ensured another African player had a direct impact on the second round of the league phase.