Europa League Draw Unveils African Showdowns and High Stakes for Elia

Europa League round of 16 unfolded on Monday at FIFA headquarters in Switzerland, unveiling compelling matchups that promise riveting clashes for African players in the competition. Among the highlights are two Algerian face-offs, while notable talents like Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, and Cédric Bakambu seem to have drawn favorable pairings.

In an intriguing duel, AC Milan and Stade Rennais will collide, setting the stage for a showdown between Algerian compatriots Ismaël Bennacer and Yacine Adli, representing Rossoneri, and Amine Gouri, donning the colors of the Breton club.

Another Algerian contingent features Roma’s Houssem Aouar, the Fennec, facing off against Feyenoord Rotterdam alongside his national teammate Ramiz Zerrouki.

The trio of Galatasaray residents, Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, and Cédric Bakambu, received relatively favorable draws against Sparta Prague, an opponent perceived as manageable but not to be underestimated.

On a different note, Congolese talent Meschack Elia, plying his trade at Young Boys de Berne, finds himself up against Sporting Portugal, helmed by Ivorian Ousmane Diomandé.

Noteworthy fixtures extend to Braga, led by Simon Banza, squaring off against Yassine Benzia’s Qarabag. Benfica, confronting Toulouse, will miss the services of Logan Costa, Moussa Diarra, and Zakaria Aboukhlal, the latter ruled out for the rest of the season.

The clash between Friborg and Lens becomes a platform to monitor the performances of Morgan Guilavogui, Nampalys Mendy, Black Star Salis Abdul Samed, and Massadio Haïdara.

Marseille (OM), boasting a roster teeming with African talents like Mbemba, Kondogbia, Ounahi, Harit, Sarr, Ndiaye, and Aubameyang, faces Shakhtar Donetsk, led by Burkinabè striker Lassina Traoré.

Certain teams, including Liverpool (Salah, Matip), Bayer Leverkusen (Boniface, Amine Adli), and West Ham (Aguerd, Benrahma), earned exemption from this round by finishing atop their respective groups.

As the Europa League intensifies, football enthusiasts can anticipate a captivating display of skill, strategy, and determination from these talented African players on the continental stage.