African players were among the standout performers across Europe’s top leagues at the weekend, with Mohamed Belloumi, Inaki Williams and several others making headlines with important goals and assists.
ENGLAND
MOHAMED BELLOUMI — HULL CITY
Algerian winger Mohamed Belloumi produced a memorable performance at Stamford Bridge, scoring twice as Hull City held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw.
The 22-year-old found the net twice within six minutes in the first half, showing impressive composure with his left foot. His second effort took a number of deflections before finding its way into the net.
The result extended Hull’s unbeaten start to four matches since their return to the Premier League after a decade away and kept the Tigers third in the table.
MALICK YALCOUYE — BRIGHTON
Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye was also on target as his side cruised to a 5-0 victory over 10-man Coventry.
The Mali-born player raced clear of the Coventry defence before calmly finishing in the 51st minute.
It was Yalcouye’s second league goal of the season. The 20-year-old, who was raised in Ivory Coast and has represented the country at under-23 level, had previously scored against Chelsea.
SPAIN
INAKI WILLIAMS — ATHLETIC BILBAO
Ghana forward Inaki Williams rescued a point for Athletic Bilbao with a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Elche.
Williams reacted quickly inside the box, getting the slightest touch to send the ball beyond the goalkeeper with just over 10 minutes left.
The goal marked his first of the La Liga campaign.
ITALY
AKOR ADAMS — VENEZIA
Nigeria striker Akor Adams gave Venezia an early boost by putting them ahead against Fiorentina.
Adams fired home from inside the penalty area to briefly put the struggling hosts in front. However, Fiorentina turned the game around, with Franco Mastantuono scoring a hat-trick in a 4-2 comeback win.
GERMANY
CHRISTIAN KOFANE — BAYER LEVERKUSEN
Cameroon youngster Christian Kofane opened the scoring for Bayer Leverkusen in their 2-2 draw away at Augsburg.
The 20-year-old controlled a long delivery from Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba before placing a composed low finish into the bottom corner.
His effort, however, was not enough to secure all three points for Leverkusen.
SERHOU GUIRASSY — BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Serhou Guirassy played an important part in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 home victory over Paderborn despite having two goals ruled out for offside.
The Guinea international, starting alongside Fabio Silva for the first time this season, turned provider early on by releasing the Portuguese striker from near the halfway line. Silva went on to score after just five minutes.
FRANCE
ABDALLAH SIMA — LENS
Senegal forward Abdallah Sima helped Lens launch a comeback in their 2-2 draw against Le Mans.
With Lens trailing by two goals, Sima pulled one back in first-half stoppage time with a header that beat goalkeeper Ewan Hatfout.
It was the forward’s first league goal of the season and gave Lens renewed hope of completing the comeback after the break.
