Matchday 5 of the Europa League came with its fireworks from Africans as they featured for their various teams across Europe.
Nigeria international, Samuel Chukwueze stole the show as Villareal ran out 1-0 victors over Turkish side, Sivasspor. Chukwueze scored the game’s only goal in the 75th minute.
Sivasspor came with a heavy presence of Africans in the 15 players registered for the game. Not less than 7 African internationals paraded for the Turkish Superliga team.
Malian goalkeeper, Mamadou Samassa was in goal for Sivasspor with his compatriot, Mustapha Yatabare featuring in the game. Gabonese defender, Aaron Appindang also started for the team. Ghana’s Isaac Cofie, Ivorian international Max-Alain Gradel and his compatriot and former international, Aruna Kone, and Chad’s Casimir Ninga completed the African collection for Sivasspor.
In Celtic’s 4-2 loss to AC Milan, Ivorian Franck Kessie and Algerian playmaker Ismael Bennacer featured for the Rossoneri. Celtic also had Ivorian, Ismaila Soro, and Cameroon’s Olivier Ntcham in the game.
Qarabag’s 1-1 draw against Maccabi Tel Aviv saw Ghanaian international, Owusu Kwabena in action for the Azerbaijani side.
Leicester lost 1-0 to Ukrainian Premier League side, Zorya Luhansk with Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi featuring after his lengthy injury spell. His compatriot, and teammate Kelechi Iheanacho played from start to finish for the Foxes.
Libya international, Ali Elmusrati played a key role in Sporting Braga’s 4-2 defeat of Greek side, AEK Athens.
In Slovan Liberec’s 2-1 win against Gent, Angola’s Nurio Fortuna featured for the Belgians as Guinean, Kamso Mara got one of Liberec’s two goals.
