Ghana’s growing contingent of footballers plying their trade across Europe and beyond delivered another eventful weekend, with strikes, assists and a standout individual display headlining the action from Serbia to Slovakia, and from the Premier League to the Bundesliga.
Karikari’s Hat-Trick Headlines the Weekend
The outstanding individual performance of the round belonged to Kwaku Karikari, who came off the bench to score a hat-trick and add an assist as Železničar Pančevo cruised to a 5-1 victory in the Serbian league, underlining the growing reputation of Ghanaian forwards in the Balkans.
Kudus Marks Long-Awaited Return
In north London, Mohammed Kudus returned to competitive football for Tottenham Hotspur after an extended spell on the sidelines, coming off the bench in Spurs’ 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United. The Black Stars midfielder had been out since a quadriceps injury suffered against Sunderland in January, with a setback in his recovery in April prolonging his absence to seven months and ruling him out of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. His introduction at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was met with a warm ovation, marking an important step in his rehabilitation even as his side slipped to a second successive defeat to start the new season.
Goals and Assists Round-Up
Kwaku Karikari – Hat-trick and an assist off the bench as Železničar Pančevo beat Serbia 5-1.
Joseph Opoku – On target again for Swansea City in a 3-0 win over Derby County, his second goal of the campaign.
Fatawu Issahaku – Assisted Ipswich Town’s opener in a 5-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Samuel Owusu – On the scoresheet as Maccabi Petah Tikva won 2-1.
Inaki Williams – Registered an assist as Athletic Club beat Celta Vigo 2-0.
Gideon Mensah – Winning Bundesliga debut for FC Köln in a 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim, recording 65 touches, 8 recoveries, 4 clearances and 2 tackles.
Carl Davordzie – Assisted Sepsi’s winner in a 1-0 victory over FC Argeș.
Prince Owusu – Assist in Dunajská Streda’s 6-1 rout.
Antoine Semenyo – Played the full 90 minutes and set up Erling Haaland’s opener as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1.
Tariq Lamptey – Assist off the bench as QPR won 2-1 against Blackburn Rovers.
Semenyo Continues to Shine in Manchester
Antoine Semenyo remains a fixture in Manchester City’s attack under new manager Enzo Maresca, delivering the cross for Erling Haaland’s opening goal in a comfortable 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The winger played the full match and was among City’s most influential performers on the flank.
Mensah Impresses on Köln Bundesliga Bow
In Germany, 28-year-old Gideon Mensah made an encouraging start to his Bundesliga career, helping FC Köln to a 3-2 win over Hoffenheim on his debut. Mensah’s involvement in defence, 65 touches, 8 recoveries, 4 clearances and 2 tackles reflected a solid full debut for the full-back.
Elsewhere Across the Continent
The weekend’s contributions were not confined to the major leagues. Carl Davordzie’s assist proved decisive as Sepsi edged FC Argeș 1-0 in Romania, while Prince Owusu chipped in with an assist as Dunajská Streda ran riot in a 6-1 win in Slovakia.
In Israel, Samuel Owusu was on target as Maccabi Petah Tikva won 2-1, and in the English lower divisions Tariq Lamptey’s introduction from the bench helped QPR see off Blackburn Rovers 2-1.
Joseph Opoku also continued his strong start in Wales, netting his second goal of the season as Swansea City beat Derby County 3-0.
Taken together, it was a rewarding round of fixtures for Ghana’s football diaspora, a hat-trick, a Bundesliga bow, and contributions in five different countries offering encouraging signals for Black Stars followers as the qualifying road to the next major tournaments continues to take shape.