African stars make their mark across Europe in weekend’s top five performances

Lassine Sinayoko led the way for African players in Europe’s leading leagues this weekend after contributing to all four of Paris FC’s goals in a thrilling 4-3 win over Rennes.

The Mali international set up Maxime Lopez twice before half-time in Sunday’s Ligue 1 meeting at Jean-Bouin. He restored Paris FC’s lead in the 76th minute with an acrobatic overhead kick after Rennes had twice fought back.

Esteban Lepaul’s third penalty brought Rennes level at 3-3, but Sinayoko won a penalty after being fouled by Rongier and converted it himself in the 97th minute. The 26-year-old was named player of the match and now has six league goals this season. Paris FC moved up to fourth place.

Ibrahim Maza, Bayer Leverkusen

Ibrahim Maza played a decisive role in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday, scoring the equaliser before setting up the winning goal.

Derry Scherhant put Freiburg ahead in the 14th minute, but the 20-year-old Algeria international levelled five minutes later. Maza then supplied Patrik Schick for the winner in the 76th minute.

Named the match’s most valuable player, Maza now has two goals and two assists in the Bundesliga this season. Bayer Leverkusen sit fourth at the top of the table, one point behind the leaders.

Yan Diomande, Real Madrid

Yan Diomande made his first start in place of the suspended Vinicius and helped Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory against Sevilla in La Liga.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger was involved in three of Real Madrid’s four goals during Sunday’s ninth-round encounter. He set up Arda Guler for the opening goal in the 30th minute, then played a part in the move that led to the penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe.

Diomande completed the scoring in the 82nd minute with a shot from outside the penalty area, two minutes after Sevilla had reduced the deficit. He became the youngest Real Madrid player since the start of the century to score and provide an assist in the same La Liga match. He has two league goals, while Real Madrid have 21 points and remain just outside the top three.

Akor Adams, Venezia

Akor Adams scored the only goal as Venezia secured their first victory of the Serie A season, beating Napoli 1-0 on Saturday.

The Nigeria striker reacted quickest to a long throw from Simon Sohm, getting ahead of Amir Rrahmani before finishing past Alex Meret with his right foot in the 49th minute. Adams had earlier forced Meret into a save with Venezia’s only shot on target before half-time.

His second league goal ended a run of several weeks without scoring. Venezia had lost their opening six matches and remain bottom with three points.

Alex Iwobi, Fulham

Alex Iwobi gave Fulham a first Premier League win of the season by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Hull on Saturday.

The Nigeria international found the bottom corner with a deflected low shot in the 33rd minute, claiming his first goal of the campaign. He also saw a cross for Gonzalo Garcia come back off the crossbar.

The result ended Fulham’s six-match wait for a league victory and lifted the club out of the relegation zone. They are 17th with five points, while Iwobi’s Premier League goal tally stands at 36.