African Stars Shine Bright in Ligue 1 Season Opener
The new Ligue 1 season kicked off last weekend with African players once again making their mark across the French top flight. From decisive goals to standout performances, several Africans demonstrated their class and importance to their teams early on.
One of the season’s early standout performers was Malian striker Cheikh Diabaté. The tall forward proved crucial for Bordeaux, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 victory against Montpellier. New coach Willy Sagnol will undoubtedly be relieved to have such a reliable finisher to kickstart his tenure.
In Bastia, Congolese midfielder Christopher Maboulou was the man of the moment. Having just arrived from Châteauroux, Maboulou impressed with a brace, including a stunning half-volley, as the Corsicans fought back from 3-1 down to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw with Marseille. The comeback was completed with a penalty from Franco-Ivorian forward Junior Tallo, adding to the African influence on the day.
Vincent Aboubakar, the Cameroonian who topped the African scoring charts in Ligue 1 last season, wasted no time in continuing his fine form. Leading Lorient to a 2-1 win over Monaco, Aboubakar confidently converted a penalty to give his side a vital edge. His sharpness in front of goal bodes well for a productive campaign.
One of the season’s more inspirational stories belongs to Franco-Moroccan striker Yacine Bammou. Just a year ago, Bammou was working as a salesman in a Paris Saint-Germain store. Now, he was pivotal for Nantes in their opening match, helping the team secure a valuable three points against Lens. His rise from retail to top-flight football is a testament to his determination and talent.
Another key player making an impact was Prince Oniangue. The Congolese midfielder was instrumental in Reims’ fight to stay in Ligue 1 last season, finishing as the club’s top scorer. He continued that form on the first day by helping Reims hold PSG to a 2-2 draw, once again showing his ability to perform against elite opposition.
N’Golo Kanté also caught attention in his Ligue 1 return with Caen. The diminutive Franco-Malian midfielder scored in a convincing 3-0 victory over Evian TG. Kanté’s rise has been meteoric — just four years ago, he was playing in the lower regional divisions. His energy and skill have made him an exciting prospect to watch this season.
Meanwhile, Wissam Ben Yedder, the Franco-Tunisian striker, found the net despite Toulouse’s 2-3 defeat to Nice. The goal may have been a birthday gift to himself, as reports suggest Tuesday was his special day. Ben Yedder’s scoring instinct will be crucial for Toulouse as they aim to improve on last season.
With many African players already proving their worth, Ligue 1 fans can look forward to a season filled with exciting performances from these talented individuals. Their influence on French football continues to grow, underscoring the rich contribution of African footballers to the league’s competitiveness and flair.
