Africans Abroad: Doucoure, Marmoush, and Essende Shine in Europe with Stunning Goals

Outstanding performances from African players have been instrumental in yielding important results for their clubs.

England

In an English Premier League clash, Manchester City thrashed Crystal Palace 5-2, with Omar Marmoush making his mark on the score sheet.

Since his transfer to the Cityzens from Eintracht Frankfurt, the Egyptian has displayed remarkable form. He continued this streak by netting City’s second goal in a thrilling seven-goal encounter.

Although Marmoush contributed significantly by scoring his sixth goal of the league season for 2024–25, he was substituted out in the 82nd minute for Norwegian talent Oscar Bobb.

Meanwhile, at the City Ground, a dramatic late goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure enabled Everton to clinch a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, who are vying for a place in the Champions League.

Nottingham struggled to find their flow, missing several key opportunities, including two clear chances that fell to Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Ultimately, it was the Mali international who stole the show, ensuring David Moyes’ men returned to Goodison Park with all three points.

In another match, Yoane Wissa secured a last-minute equaliser, helping Brentford earn a 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

After a goalless first half at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, who found the net from close range after receiving an assist from Declan Rice.

However, the lead was short-lived as Congolese star Wissa netted his 15th league goal of the season, ensuring the match ended level.

Algerian international Rayan Ait Nouri was also on target for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who triumphed 4-2 over Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux Stadium.

The defender scored just 85 seconds into the game, marking the fastest goal ever for Wolves in English top-flight history, and a Djed Spence own goal later doubled their advantage before halftime.

In addition to his strike, Ait Nouri assisted Jorgen Strand Larsen for a goal in the 64th minute.

Germany

Samuel Essende led Augsburg to a 2-1 away victory against Bochum, positioning them in 10th place in the Bundesliga.

After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, Jess Thorup’s team sought redemption at Vonovia Ruhrstadion.

Their early pressure paid off in the 16th minute when the DR Congo international scored with a composed finish, beating his defender before finishing past goalkeeper Timo Horn, assisted by Alexis Claude Maurice.

Philipp Hofmann equalised for the home side on the hour mark, but Augsburg clinched the win with a late goal from German youth player Mert Komur in the 90th minute.

France

A last-gasp strike from Youssouf Ndayishimiye secured a 2-2 draw for Nice against Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

The hosts had taken a 2-1 lead at Stade de la Meinau, thanks to goals from Emanuel Emegha and English-Ghanaian sensation Samuel Amo-Ameyaw. But the Burundian international ensured a share of the spoils with his timely goal.

Ndayishimiye’s effort marked his second of the current season, with Nice now hovering close to a potential European spot for the next campaign.

In another thrilling encounter, Senegalese forward Abdallah Sima found the net for Brest, as they played out a 3-3 draw against St. Etienne.

This marked his sixth goal of the league season for the Pirates after 22 matches, with 12 of those appearances being as a starter.