Africans Overseas: Diakhaby Shines Against Real Madrid as Iwobi, Guirassy, and Ndiaye Find the Net

This weekend saw African players make a significant impact across Europe’s top football leagues, with results varying quite dramatically.

England

In a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday, Alex Iwobi netted a goal and provided an assist as Fulham overwhelmed Liverpool with a 3-2 victory. The Cottagers staged a remarkable comeback after trailing in the match, stunning the Reds at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool initially took the lead in the 14th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, but Fulham equalised just nine minutes later courtesy of Ryan Sessegnon, whose half-volley found its way past goalkeeper Caomhim Kelleher.

Marco Silva’s side took the lead in the 32nd minute when Iwobi’s shot was deflected into the net by Andy Robertson.

In a high-octane first half, Iwobi also turned provider, assisting Rodrigo Muniz five minutes later.

While Luis Diaz did manage to score for the visitors in the 72nd minute, it was not enough to prevent Liverpool from leaving with their heads hung low.

At Goodison Park, Senegalese star Iliman Ndiaye played a crucial role in ensuring Everton earned a draw with Arsenal, as the match finished 1-1.

The Gunners took the lead in the 37th minute with a goal from Leandro Trossard, but Ndiaye equalised for Everton just four minutes into the second half, confidently converting a penalty after Jack Harrison was fouled by Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Italy

Como put an end to their four-match winless run with an impressive 3-1 win against Monza, featuring a goal from Assane Diao.

The visitors had a rough start at the U-Power Stadium, conceding early to Dany Mota in the fifth minute. However, Como bounced back with Jonathan Ikone equalising in the 16th minute.

Diao, named man of the match, put Como ahead in the 39th minute, and Mergim Vojvoda sealed the deal with a goal in the 51st minute.

Following this win, Fabregas and his team climbed to 13th in Serie A, while Monza faced further troubles, remaining at the bottom of the table.

In another Serie A match, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru provided an assist as Lazio claimed a surprising 1-0 victory over Atalanta.

Dele-Bashiru set up Danish striker Gustav Isaksen six minutes before the hour mark, significantly denting Atalanta’s hopes of clinching the Italian championship.

Despite the presence of reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Atalanta couldn’t secure any points at home.

Spain

Mouctar Diakhaby scored for Valencia in their 2-1 victory away to title contenders Real Madrid in La Liga.

Real Madrid started the match strong, earning a penalty in the 13th minute, but Vinicius Junior failed to convert. Just two minutes later, Diakhaby, assisted by Andre Almeida, opened the scoring for Valencia.

Diakhaby thought he had netted a second shortly after, but his goal was ruled offside.

Vinicius managed to equalise for Madrid with a goal in the 50th minute, but it was Valencia’s Hugo Duro who secured a last-minute winner.

In Seville, Lucien Agoume netted his first professional goal for Sevilla during a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid.

The Cameroonian, who has previously played for Inter Milan, Brest and Troyes, scored in the seventh minute. However, Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone, mounted a comeback with goals from Julian Alvarez and Pablo Barrios.

Germany

Serhou Guirassy maintained his remarkable form in the Bundesliga with a goal, helping Borussia Dortmund claim a convincing 4-1 victory over Freiburg.

Dortmund made their move towards victory, taking the lead in the 34th minute through Karim Adeyemi.

Carney Chukwuemeka increased the advantage with a second goal in the 51st minute, followed by another from Guirassy and Jamie Gittens, completing the emphatic win.

Although Maximilian Eggestein struck a consolation goal for Freiburg in the 88th minute, it was merely a footnote in Dortmund’s commanding performance.