Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-26 13:32:26
Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations stars Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi played pivotal roles in Fulham’s stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League over the weekend. Bassey, who was a regular starter for Nigeria during the AFCON where they finished as runners-up, scored the opening goal in the second half, while Iwobi sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal, marking Fulham’s first win at Old Trafford since 2003.
In England, Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew continued his good form by scoring in his second consecutive game in a 3-0 win over Burnley. The Ghanaian striker tapped in the Eagles’ second goal to help new manager Oliver Glasner start his tenure on a positive note.
Moving to Spain, Atletico Madrid’s Mozambique defender Reinildo Mandava provided an assist for Angel Correa’s goal in a 2-2 draw against Almeria. Mandava also received a yellow card in a match where Atletico twice surrendered the lead.
In Germany, Togo striker Ihlas Bebou scored just two minutes into Hoffenheim’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund. Bebou capitalized on a mistake from Dortmund captain Emre Can to give his team an early lead. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush scored a stoppage-time equalizer against former club Wolfsburg in a 2-2 draw.
In France, former African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted a brace for Marseille in a 4-1 win over Montpellier. The Gabon captain increased his Ligue 1 goal tally to eight for the season, while Senegalese midfielder Iliman Ndiaye also found the back of the net for Marseille.
Overall, African players such as Bassey, Iwobi, Ayew, Mandava, Bebou, Marmoush, and Aubameyang continue to make significant contributions for their respective clubs in the major European leagues. Their performances have been instrumental in securing crucial victories and points for their teams in the ongoing season.
