African stars shining in Europe: Guessand nets first Palace strike

Ivorian forward Evann Guessand notched his debut goal for Crystal Palace during a narrow 1-0 Premier League victory against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend.

The 24 year old, who joined the London outfit on loan from Aston Villa during the season, found the net in the 90th minute at Selhurst Park.

Just last month, Guessand contributed to Ivory Coasts campaign as the defending champions advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals before falling to Egypt.

AFP Sport spotlights key African performers across Europes top leagues:

ENGLAND

EVANN GUESSAND (Crystal Palace), TOLU AROKODARE (Wolves)

Guessand grabbed the winner, marking only the second victory in 16 matches for the Eagles, following Arokodares missed penalty in the first half for Wolves. The Nigerian forwards effort from the spot was stopped by Dean Henderson. Guessand delivered a sharp finish into the near corner, alleviating concerns of a potential drop into relegation danger.

ALEX IWOBI (Fulham)

Iwobi set up Fulhams initial goal for Raul Jimenez and then added the final touch himself in a 3-1 triumph over Sunderland. The Nigerian winger neatly chipped over Robin Roefs to claim his first goal of 2026.

SPAIN

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (Atletico Madrid)

Nigerias Lookman maintained his impressive adaptation to the Spanish capital with his inaugural La Liga strike in a 4-2 defeat of Espanyol. The attacker has already bagged four goals in his opening six appearances for the team in all tournaments.

ERIC BAILLY (Real Oviedo)

Ivory Coasts central defender Bailly registered his maiden goal for Oviedo since his arrival at the Asturian side last year, during an exciting 3-3 stalemate with Real Sociedad. Bailly headed in a vital 93rd minute leveller from a corner to salvage a draw.

PAPE GUEYE (VILLARREAL)

Senegals midfielder slotted home a penalty in deep first half stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for third placed Villarreal against basement dwellers Valencia at home. Gueye also found the net in extra time to seal Senegals win over hosts Morocco in last months Africa Cup of Nations decider.

GERMANY

YAN DIOMANDE (RB Leipzig)

Although Yan Diomande earned official credit for just one assist, he played a pivotal role in both of Christoph Baumgartners strikes during RB Leipzigs 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Borussia Dortmund at home. Early on, after 20 minutes, Diomande delivered a low pass for Baumgartner to finish easily. Near halftime, the 19 year old winger once more outfoxed the away sides backline, linking with David Raum who crossed for Baumgartners second. In his inaugural top flight campaign, Diomande boasts eight goals and six assists across 22 league outings.

FRANCE

MARSHALL MUNETSI (Paris FC)

Zimbabwes Munetsi, currently on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, opened his account for Ligue 1 battlers Paris FC with a goal in their 1-1 away draw against mid table Toulouse. Assisted by Alimani Gory, Munetsi rifled into the bottom left corner from central position inside the penalty area.