Seven African and African-origin players named in L’Equipe’s Ligue 1 team of the week

The 10th round of Ligue 1 highlighted the impact of African and African-origin players, with seven selected in L’Equipe’s team of the week.

Their performances helped shape results across the division, from Paris to Le Havre and Rennes, with decisive contributions in goal, defence and attack.

Goalkeeper

Hillel Konate was awarded a rating of 7 after making six saves against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Burkina Faso goalkeeper faced sustained pressure as ESTAC spent long periods defending, but his interventions kept the visitors in the contest before they eventually lost 1-0.

Defenders

Samuel Yohou also received a rating of 7 after winning possession 11 times against Monaco, more than any other player in the match.

Le Mans drew 1-1, with Solas equalising in the 90th minute after Mamadou Coulibaly had put Monaco ahead in the 40th minute. The Franco-Ivorian’s work in midfield and defence helped his side remain within reach until the final whistle.

Isaak Toure scored in Lorient’s 2-0 win at Le Havre. The Franco-Ivorian defender opened the scoring in the 18th minute, before Jean-Victor Makengo secured victory in added time.

It was Toure’s first goal of the season and one of the clearest attacking contributions from a defender during the round.

Bradley Locko earned the penalty that led to Brest’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over Lyon.

Ejuma scored in the 22nd minute before Ajorque converted from the spot in the 90th minute and fourth minute of added time. The Franco-Congolese left-back repeatedly threatened down his flank with forward runs throughout the match.

Attackers

Sofiane Diop made an immediate impact in Nice’s 2-0 victory at Angers, opening the scoring in the second minute. Clauss added the second in the 78th minute.

The Morocco international’s early goal forced Angers to take more risks, while his quality in the final third helped Nice control the contest. The 26-year-old winger now has two league goals this season.

Senny Mayulu provided the assist for the only goal in Paris Saint-Germain’s meeting with Troyes.

In a much-changed side selected by Luis Enrique, the Franco-Congolese attacking midfielder was also used at the head of the attack during some phases of the game. The 20-year-old threatened from the opening minutes, although his efforts were stopped by the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

Soriba Diaoune was the most productive player in the selected XI, contributing a goal and an assist in Lille’s 2-1 win at Rennes.

The Franco-Guinean winger scored in the 24th minute before Nathan Ngoy added Lille’s second in the 68th minute. The victory moved Les Dogues into second place with 21 points.

It was Diaoune’s first Ligue 1 goal of the season and his third in all competitions.