African Players Shine Across Europe in Busy Weekend of Action
This weekend saw several African internationals making their mark across Europe’s top football leagues. From hat-tricks to crucial goals, players from across the continent were pivotal in their teams’ performances.
England – Premier League: Bony’s Brace and Eto’o’s Consolation
Wilfried Bony continued his impressive debut season in the Premier League, netting a brace for Swansea in their 2-1 win over Newcastle. The Ivorian striker now has 12 goals for the season, attracting attention from some of England’s top clubs.
However, Chelsea’s title ambitions suffered a blow after a 2-1 loss to Sunderland. Despite a ninth goal of the season from Samuel Eto’o, the Blues fell short at Stamford Bridge, further diminishing their hopes of securing the league crown.
Italy – Serie A: Okaka’s Stunner and Taarabt’s Persistence
Sampdoria’s campaign stumbled with a 2-1 loss to Catania, despite a sensational solo goal from Nigerian Stefano Okaka-Chuka, who covered 50 meters to score. Meanwhile, Moroccan midfielder Adel Taarabt further endeared himself to AC Milan fans by scoring his fourth goal for the Rossoneri in their 3-0 victory over Livorno. Taarabt’s consistent performances have bolstered his case to remain at the club.
France – Ligue 1: Aboubakar and Gakpé Steal the Show
In France, Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar was the hero for Lorient in their thrilling 4-4 draw with Montpellier, scoring a quick-fire double in the space of five minutes. Meanwhile, in a dominant 6-2 win for Nantes over Valenciennes, Togolese Serge Gakpé netted twice, taking his tally to six goals for the season. Algerian Carl Medjani scored for Valenciennes, but his own goal added to the team’s misery.
Bordeaux also had reason to celebrate, with Malian striker Cheikh Diabaté delivering a stunning hat-trick against Guingamp. Senegalese midfielder Diallo also found the net for Bordeaux, contributing to the 4-1 victory.
At the other end of the table, Bastia condemned Ajaccio to relegation after a 2-1 victory, with Guinean Camara’s goal for Ajaccio proving insufficient to keep their hopes alive.
Germany – Bundesliga: Ya Konan’s Return to Form
In Germany, Ivorian forward Didier Ya Konan marked his return to form with a second goal in as many games, scoring against Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. His resurgence is a positive sign for his club as they push toward the end of the season.
Spain – La Liga: No African Scorers
While no African players found the back of the net in Spain’s La Liga this weekend, the competition remains as fierce as ever, with teams vying for crucial points as the season winds down.
This weekend’s action highlights the growing influence of African players in European football, with key performances from the continent’s top talents shaping results across the leagues. Whether scoring crucial goals, providing assists, or rescuing their teams, these players continue to make their presence felt in Europe’s elite competitions.
