After two thrilling evenings in the Champions League where African players struggled to make their mark, attention now shifts to the quarter-final first leg of the Europa League. The Europa League offers four exciting matchups this Thursday, featuring several African internationals.
The most anticipated fixture is undoubtedly Lyon versus Juventus. In this clash, Burkina Faso’s Bakary Koné, Cameroon’s Henri Bedimo, and Congo’s Arnold Mvuemba will be in action, alongside dual nationals like Gueida Fofana (Mali) and Bafétimbi Gomis. On the opposing side, Ghana’s Kwadwo Asamoah and Franco-Guinean talent Paul Pogba will be closely watched for their potential game-changing abilities.
Seydou Keita leads Valencia’s charge!
Another standout match sees FC Porto, fresh from their victory over Napoli in the previous round, taking on FC Sevilla. Franco-Congolese defender Eliaquim Mangala will aim to thwart Sevilla’s attacking threats, while Cameroonian midfielder Stéphane Mbia will be a key figure for the Spanish side.
The clash between FC Basel and Valencia promises excitement as well. Swiss side Basel, featuring Egyptian midfielder Mohamed el Nenny and Ivorian duo Serey Die and Giovanni Sio, caused an upset by defeating Red Bull Salzburg in the previous round. They now face Valencia, led by Malian veteran Seydou Keita and the dynamic Algerian Sofiane Feghouli.
Rounding off the day’s fixtures, AZ takes on Benfica.
Match Schedule (7:05 p.m. GMT):
AZ vs. Benfica
FC Porto vs. FC Sevilla
FC Basel vs. Valencia
Lyon vs. Juventus
Tags: Asamoah, Bedimo, Cameroon, Europa League, FC Bale, FC Porto, FC Sevilla, Feghouli, Ghana, Giovanni Sio, Juventus, Keita, Lyon, M’bia, Mali, Pogba, Program, Switzerland, Valencia
