African footballers had a standout weekend across Europe, with several players making key contributions for their clubs.
Jordan Ayew was on target as Leicester City defeated Southampton 2-0 in a crucial relegation battle. After Jamie Vardy’s 17th-minute opener, Ayew doubled Leicester’s advantage with a well-taken volley just before halftime. This victory ended the Foxes’ 12-match winless streak.
At Goodison Park, Beto scored for Everton in their 2-2 draw with relegated Ipswich Town. The Guinea Bissau international opened the scoring in the 26th minute, heading in a Carlos Alcaraz cross, and Dwight McNeil added a second.
However, Ipswich fought back with goals from Julio Enciso and George Hirst to secure a draw.
Yankuba Minteh also impressed with his sixth goal of the season in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with
Newcastle, while Yoane Wissa continued his fine form, scoring in Brentford’s thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United. Super-sub Amad Diallo netted a late goal for United, but it wasn’t enough to stop Brentford from clinching all three points.
Italy
In Serie A, Boulaye Dia was the hero for Lazio, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 victory at Empoli. The Senegal international found the back of the net just 54 seconds into the match, and Empoli’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when they were reduced to 10 men after Lorenzo Colombo’s second yellow card. Lazio’s win boosted their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman ended his six-match goal drought in Atalanta’s 4-0 demolition of Monza. The Nigeria international added a third for Atalanta after Charles De Ketelaere’s brace, ensuring the team remained in third place, with Champions League qualification in sight.
Spain
In La Liga, Nicolas Pepe had a standout performance for Villarreal in their 4-2 win over Osasuna. The former Arsenal forward assisted Thierno Barry and Ayoze Perez before adding his own goal in the 71st minute.
Pepe’s contributions helped Villarreal maintain their fifth-place position in the league, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Additionally, Morocco international Munir El Haddadi scored in Leganes’ 2-2 draw at Sevilla, contributing to his team’s effort on the road.
Germany
In the Bundesliga, Serhou Guirassy was the star for Borussia Dortmund, scoring twice in their 4-0 victory over Wolfsburg. The Guinea international opened the scoring just three minutes into the match and completed his brace before the hour mark.
Dortmund’s dominant performance saw Germany international Karim Adeyemi score twice, helping the team extend their unbeaten run to six games and climb to fifth in the table.
