African players in Europe: Ouattara fires another winner for Bees
Burkina Faso forward Dango Ouattara proved decisive for Brentford once more, clinching a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United for the second consecutive weekend.
The 23-year-old netted in the 85th minute during an enthralling Premier League encounter in north east England. The Bees experienced both a deficit and a lead before claiming the three points that elevated them to seventh position in the standings.
In the previous weekend, Ouattara undermined the championship aspirations of third-placed Aston Villa with the sole strike at Villa Park.
AFP Sport spotlights key African performers across Europe’s top leagues:
ENGLAND
DANGO OUATTARA (Brentford)
With the game level at 2-2 against Newcastle, the Burkina Faso player ensured the away side’s success at St James’ Park by rifling a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Nick Pope, marking Brentford’s initial triumph on Tyneside in 90 years since 1934. Ouattara also delivered the delivery for Vitaly Janelt’s headed leveller following an early 1-0 disadvantage.
BRYAN MBEUMO (Manchester Utd)
The Cameroon attacker aided the Red Devils in maintaining their flawless streak under interim boss Michael Carrick across four outings by netting the initial strike in a 2-0 success against Tottenham, after the Spurs were down to 10 players due to captain Cristian Romero’s dismissal.
ISMAILA SARR (Crystal Palace)
The Eagles snapped their 12-game drought without a victory through a 1-0 triumph at fierce opponents Brighton, courtesy of Senegal’s Sarr finding the net in the 61st minute, set up by substitute Evann Guessand. The Ivory Coast forward wasted no time impacting his first appearance for Palace, having arrived on loan from Aston Villa in the January window.
ITALY
LAMECK BANDA (Lecce)
Banda curled in a free-kick from beyond the box in the 90th minute to secure a vital 2-1 Serie A result for struggling Lecce versus mid-table Udinese at home. This marked the 25-year-old Zambia wide man’s third top-flight strike this term. Lecce sit 17th, just one spot and three points clear of the drop zone.
GERMANY
SERHOU GUIRASSY (Borussia Dortmund)
Guirassy delivered brilliance at the perfect moment for Dortmund versus Wolfsburg. After Felix Nmecha’s smooth interplay with Fabio Silva, the Guinea star slotted home an 87th-minute decider for his ninth Bundesliga strike of the campaign. The 29-year-old has contributed goals or assists in four of his past five matches.
RANSFORD KOENIGSDOERFFER (Hamburg)
A powerful first-half effort from Ghana forward Koenigsdoerffer set Hamburg towards a 2-0 win at Heidenheim, their inaugural road success this season. Nigerian wide player Philip Otele, on his Hamburg bow, pierced the backline with a smart pass to Koenigsdoerffer, who unleashed a fierce low drive to break the deadlock in added time before the interval.
FRANCE
ISSA SOUMARE (Le Havre)
Soumare capitalised on a chance in the 54th minute to hand Le Havre a 2-1 Ligue 1 home success against Strasbourg. The Senegal player collected possession inside the penalty area and calmly guided it into the distant corner while losing balance.