African players in Europe: Onana slip-up sinks United

He gathered a cross, then lost possession, and Georginio Rutter netted to complete the scoring at Old Trafford. Gambian Yankuba Minteh was the first to score for Brighton, who have won six of their last seven league games against United.

Here, we highlight African headline-makers from the major European leagues:

ENGLAND

YANKUBA MINTEH (Brighton)

The winger put the Seagulls on track for a memorable win against struggling United by netting after just five minutes with a simple tap-in from Kaoru Mitoma's pass. It was Minteh's third goal for Brighton since his close-season move from Newcastle.

ILIMAN NDIAYE (Everton)

The Senegal forward netted for the sixth time this term as David Moyes secured his first win since returning as Everton boss. Ndiaye doubled Everton's lead with a fine finish into the roof of the net in the 30th minute of their 3-2 victory against Tottenham at Goodison Park. His third goal in his last six games helped Everton move four points clear of the relegation zone.

PAUL ONUACHU (Southampton)

The Nigeria striker bagged his first goal for Southampton, but it was little consolation for Ivan Juric's team in their 3-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest. With the Saints trailing 3-1, Onuachu headed home from Mateus Fernandes' corner in stoppage time.

SPAIN

BRAHIM DIAZ (Real Madrid)

Morocco international Diaz missed a golden chance in the opening stages of Real Madrid's 4-1 romp over Las Palmas but made amends by rolling home his team's second goal later in the first half. Diaz produced a strong all-round performance to help his team dominate at the Santiago Bernabeu.

ITALY

BOULAYE DIA (Lazio)

The 28-year-old France-born Senegal striker scored Lazio's second goal in their 3-0 win over struggling Verona, which allowed his team to remain fourth in Serie A and well-placed for the Champions League. Dia's goal was one to remember as he collected a pass from Matteo Guendouzi before beating three defenders and firing a left-foot shot into the corner of the net.

GERMANY

MOHAMED AMOURA (Wolfsburg)

Amoura scored in each half as Wolfsburg came close to upsetting Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in a 3-2 away loss. The Algerian took advantage of lacklustre defence for a set piece to equalise after 24 minutes. With Bayern 3-1 up and cruising, Amoura struck again in the 88th minute to set up a tense finish.

SAMUEL ESSENDE (Augsburg)

Essende pushed his side to a 2-0 win at Werder Bremen that continued their 2025 revival. The 26-year-old Congolese forward put Augsburg in front after five minutes, latching on to an Arne Maier pass and slotting home. He doubled Augsburg's lead later in the half, heading in a Dimitris Giannoulis cross against the run of play.

FRANCE

AUGUSTINE BOAKYE (Saint-Etienne)

The Ghanaian rescued a vital point for Saint-Etienne in their battle against relegation as he rifled home a left-footed effort in the 86th minute to force a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Nantes.

 

January 19, 2025