African Stars Shine Across Europe as Ligue 1 and Premier League Kick Off
The opening weeks of the new football season have seen several African players make strong impressions across Europe, with Ligue 1 and the Premier League already offering up plenty of talking points.
Ligue 1: African Influence on Full Display
Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro, sidelined during the World Cup, has wasted no time in making his mark back in domestic action. Now a key part of Toulouse’s plans following Serge Aurier’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, the Ivorian midfielder opened his account for the season with a delightful chipped goal. His contribution helped Toulouse to a 2-1 win over Lyon, with Wissam Ben Yedder adding the second.
In Rennes, Edson Mexer emerged as an unexpected hero. The Mozambican defender, signed this summer from Nacional Madeira, scored twice in Rennes’ emphatic 6-2 victory over Evian. The performance also featured two goals from Franco-Cameroonian winger Paul-Georges Ntep, further underscoring Rennes’ attacking strength.
Wahbi Khazri played a pivotal role in Bordeaux’s shock 4-1 win over Monaco. The Tunisian international forced the first goal and confidently converted a penalty to seal a dominant display at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Elsewhere, Max-Alain Gradel demonstrated why he’s still a sought-after asset despite ongoing transfer speculation. The Ivorian winger delivered a superb free-kick to score during Saint-Étienne’s 3-1 win over Reims, further showcasing his attacking flair.
Premier League: Mixed Fortunes for African Contingent
In England, Yaya Touré was a composed presence in midfield as Manchester City started their title defence with a 2-0 win over Newcastle. The Ivorian midfielder played a key role in the build-up to the first goal, delivering a pinpoint pass to Edin Džeko, who assisted David Silva’s opener.
At Tottenham Hotspur, Emmanuel Adebayor may not have scored, but the Togolese striker was instrumental in Spurs’ 1-0 victory over West Ham. His constant pressing led to defender James Collins receiving a red card, tilting the match in Tottenham’s favour.
However, fellow African striker Wilfried Bony of Swansea City had a quieter outing, despite his club’s strong start to the campaign.
