While several African football stars have already showcased their skills in the Champions League, many others who play significant roles for their European clubs will have to wait until the second day of the Europa League to make an impact. Unfortunately, quite a few will be absent due to injuries.
Tottenham and Newcastle, in particular, are facing challenges with key players sidelined. Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor is dealing with back pain, preventing him from starting for Tottenham against Lazio. Cameroonian defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto is also unavailable after knee surgery.
Newcastle, on the other hand, will miss the services of their Senegalese attacking duo, Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé, as they face Maritimo Funchal in Portugal. However, Ivorian midfielder Cheikh Tioté is expected to be on the pitch.
On a positive note, several African players are set to make an impact. Marseille, featuring Nicolas Nkoulou, Charles Kaboré, and the Ayew brothers (Jordan and Andre), will face Fenerbahçe, including Senegalese striker Moussa Sow. Samuel Eto’o returns to the European stage with Anzhi Makhachkala, alongside Moroccan Mbark Boussoufa and Congolese Christopher Samba, against Udinese.
Olympique Lyonnais, with Bakari Koné, Samuel Umtiti, and Mohammadou Dabo, takes on Sparta Prague. Levante, with new arrival Nigerian Obafémi Martins, hosts Helsingborgs, where South African May Mahlangu plays. AIK faces a tough challenge against Napoli, but Togolese Lalawélé Atakora aims to make an impact. Bordeaux, featuring Landry Nguemo and Lamine Sané, awaits the Belgian team Bruges
