Africans Abroad: Semenyo Strikes Twice While Kudus, Salah, and Sarr Dazzle

African footballers lit up the weekend, displaying their exceptional goalscoring talents as Europe’s elite leagues concluded their seasons.

ENGLAND

Antoine Semenyo netted a brace as Bournemouth triumphed over Leicester City, clinching a top-ten finish in a record-setting Premier League season.

Despite dominating possession, the Cherries struggled against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s defence until the 74th minute, when the Ghanaian found the net from close range after a clever setup from Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi.

With just two minutes remaining, Semenyo capped his performance with a stunning long-range strike, assisted by Dean Huijsen.

This victory allowed Bournemouth to conclude the 2024-25 season with 56 points, marking their highest tally ever in the English top tier.

Meanwhile, at Portman Road, Mohamed Kudus found the back of the net for West Ham as they defeated Ipswich 3-1, ending the 2024-25 campaign on a high note.

Ward-Prowse opened the scoring for West Ham just before half-time due to a defensive mishap, but Nathan Broadhead equalised shortly after the break with a powerful shot.

Jarrod Bowen then responded just three minutes later, overcoming his England snub with a fantastic goal, rounding off a season in which he scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions.

In the 87th minute, super-sub Kudus secured the win by delivering an impressive solo effort, ensuring a 3-1 scoreline.

In a tense encounter, Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah salvaged a point for Liverpool, scoring a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr gave the Eagles an early advantage in the ninth minute at Anfield, taking advantage of a defensive slip to slot home after receiving a pass from Tyrick Mitchell.

However, it was the Egyptian superstar who brought the match to a close at one-all, scoring a crucial equaliser in the 84th minute.

With this goal, Salah matched the all-time record for goal involvements with 47 (29 goals, 18 assists), joining English legends Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.

Amad Diallo closed out the 2024-25 season for Manchester United with a goal in their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian capitalised on a controversial referee decision that had seen an Aston Villa goal disallowed, heading the Red Devils into the lead in the 76th minute.

Christian Eriksen secured the win with an 87th-minute penalty, although Ruben Amorim’s side ultimately finished outside the top ten.

African stars Marshall Munetsi and Bryan Mbeumo dazzled in the final match of the league season as Wolves and Brentford battled to a 1-1 draw.

Mbeumo put the Bees ahead in the 20th minute with a solid strike, but Zimbabwean Munetsi equalised in the 75th minute, securing a point for Wolves.

ITALY

Lazio faced a surprising 1-0 home defeat to ten-man Lecce, as Lassana Coulibaly’s goal brought victory for the Salentini, ending Lazio’s hopes for European competition next season.

The stakes were high, with the hosts eyeing a potential European spot—from the Champions League to the Conference League—while Lecce desperately sought to avoid relegation.

The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was tense as both teams fought for their objectives. The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when a careless pass from Mario Gila was intercepted by Nikola Krstovic, who provided Coulibaly with the chance to score the pivotal goal.

SPAIN

Villarreal concluded a remarkable LaLiga season with a 4-2 victory over Sevilla, finishing the campaign in style at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Pape Gueye scored twice, while Yeremy Pino and Alex Baena contributed stunning goals to secure the win.

In doing so, Marcelino’s side finished with 70 points and a record 71 goals for the club in a top-flight season.

Yan Diomande found the net for Leganés in their 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid; however, the win was not enough to stave off relegation to the second division.

Desperate for survival, the Cucumber Growers launched an aggressive attack against the bottom side, with Javi Hernandez opening the scoring in the 25th minute with a solid finish into the top corner, followed by Diomande doubling the lead and assisting Juan Cruz in a thrilling first half.

Yet, despite the emphatic victory, Leganés’ fate was sealed as other results went against them.