Sinayoko, Diomande and Maza lead African team of the weekend

Lassine Sinayoko was involved in all four of Paris FC’s goals against Rennes, while Yan Diomande scored for Real Madrid and Ibrahim Maza produced a standout display for Bayer Leverkusen.

Those performances earn the trio places in our African team of the weekend, selected using ratings provided by our partner Sportmonks from the major European leagues.

Sinayoko was the leading figure in Paris FC’s thrilling 4-3 win. The Mali international scored twice and supplied two assists, including a decisive penalty he won and converted in the 97th minute. His contribution takes him to six Ligue 1 goals, putting him second in the division’s scoring standings.

Diomande is also continuing to make an impact at Real Madrid. The Ivorian winger was decisive twice in the same match for the first time since joining the club, scoring in the 4-1 victory over Sevilla after cutting inside and finishing with a powerful shot. He also set up Arda Guler and was involved in each of Real Madrid’s goals.

Daniel Namaso scored twice as AJ Auxerre won 3-1 away to Le Havre. The Cameroonian striker’s double helped secure an important victory for the visitors.

Maza was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-1 win against Freiburg. The Algeria international opened the scoring with a fine outside-of-the-foot finish before creating Patrik Schick’s goal after a piece of individual skill involving a drag-back and a nutmeg.

Bilal El Khannouss completes the midfield after producing five key passes for Stuttgart. However, the Morocco midfielder could not prevent his side from losing 1-0 at Hamburg.

Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi scored the only goal as Fulham beat Hull City 1-0 in the Premier League.

Defensive standouts

Maduka Okoye made eight saves and recovered seven balls for Udinese against Lecce. Despite his efforts, the Nigerian goalkeeper was beaten three times in a 3-0 defeat.

Dembo Sylla played on the left of this selection despite normally operating as a right wing-back. The Guinea international won the penalty and hit the post as Lorient recorded a notable 1-0 victory over Monaco.

On the opposite flank, Rafik Messali helped Toulouse maintain a clean sheet in their 3-0 win against Le Mans. The defender made seven clearances and contested four aerial duels. The Algeria hopeful’s versatility also contributed to his inclusion.

In central defence, Kasımpasa’s Adem Arous enjoyed an unusually productive attacking afternoon. The Tunisia international scored twice and made eight clearances in a 4-1 victory over Samsunspor.

He is joined by Lecce defender Kialonda Gaspar, who also found the net. The Angola international headed his team in front during their 3-0 win away to Udinese.