Performance of Ghanaian Players Abroad: Weekend Round-up
Ghanaian footballers continue to impress on the international stage, contributing to their respective clubs across Europe’s top leagues. This week saw vital performances in key matches, from crucial goals to solid defensive displays. Here’s a look at how Ghanaian players fared in some of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
England
Antoine Semenyo played 17 minutes for Manchester City in their 3-1 FA Cup win over Newcastle United, helping them qualify for the quarter-finals.
Brandon Thomas-Asante made a cameo appearance for Coventry City, coming on for the final 6 minutes plus added time as they clinched a 2-0 victory over Bristol City in the English Championship.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku played 89 minutes for Leicester City in their 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in the Championship. He was lively on the wing, completing 2/4 of his dribbles in the game.
Jordan Ayew played just 7 minutes as an 83rd-minute substitute for Leicester City in their match against Ipswich Town.
Osman Ibrahim played 33 minutes for Birmingham City in their 1-0 away defeat to Charlton Athletic in the Championship.
Amankwah Forson made a return from a long injury lay-off, making a cameo appearance for Norwich City as they exited the FA Cup after a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United in the fifth round.
Germany
Ransford Yeboah Konigsdoffer started and played 77 minutes for Hamburg SV in the German Bundesliga as they came from behind to beat Wolfsburg 2-1 away.
His contribution in attack was vital in helping Hamburg secure the crucial three points.
Jonas Adjetey made his first start for Wolfsburg and played 90 minutes in their 2-1 loss at home to Hamburg SV. The defender recorded 3 clearances, 1 interception, and won 1 out of 2 tackles attempted.
Derrick Kohn played 90 minutes and scored Union Berlin’s consolation goal in their 4-1 loss to Werder Bremen in the German Bundesliga.
He also contributed defensively, making 1 interception and completing 2 clearances.
France
Elisha Owusu played 90 minutes for Auxerre in a goalless draw against Strasbourg in the French Ligue 1. He was impressive in defensive midfield, winning 100% of his tackles (4/4) and making 1 clearance.
Gideon Mensah also played the full 90 minutes for Auxerre in the 0-0 draw against Strasbourg. He made 4 clearances, 1 interception, and won 1 of the 1 tackle he attempted.
Kojo Oppong Peprah started for OGC Nice against Rennes but was forced off early due to injury in the 18th minute.
Augustine Boakye played the entire match for Saint Etienne and helped them secure a 2-0 win over Red Star in the French Ligue 2. The victory helped Saint Etienne in their push for promotion to Ligue 1.
Spain
Inaki Williams played 70 minutes for Athletic Bilbao, but they fell narrowly to Barcelona in a 1-0 defeat in the Spanish La Liga. Despite the loss, Williams’ tireless work rate and pace caused problems for the Barcelona defense.
Thomas Partey played 15 minutes for Villarreal in their 2-1 win over Elche in La Liga. Despite his limited time on the pitch, he contributed to the team’s victory.
The Netherlands
Andre Ayew played 79 minutes and scored his first goal for NAC Breda in a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord Rotherdam in the Eredivisie.
Kamal Sowah also featured for 90 minutes in NAC Breda’s draw against Feyenoord and scored his first goal of the season.
Italy
Kamaldeen Sulemana played 90 minutes for Atalanta in a 2-2 draw with Udinese in the Italian Serie A.
Sulemana Ibrahim made his 4th start in a row for Cagliari and played 90 minutes but they lost 2-1 at home to Como in the Italian top-flight.
He made 2 interceptions and 100% successful tackles (3/3).
Turkey
Nicholas Opoku returned to Kasimpasa’s starting eleven and played the full 90 minutes as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
The defender contributed defensively with 2 clearances and 1 interception in a game that saw his side extend their unbeaten run.
Felix Afena-Gyan played 45 minutes and scored the only goal for Amedspor in a 1-0 win over Serikspor in the Turkish second tier. This goal marked his 4th league goal and 9th goal contribution of the season.
Jerome Opoku played the full 90 minutes for Istanbul Basaksehir and was instrumental in helping them secure a 2-1 win over Goztepe in the Turkish top-flight.
He completed 3 clearances and 2 interceptions, proving solid at the back.
Switzerland
Daniel Afriyie Barnie came on for 25 minutes and scored his 9th league goal of the season for Aarau in a dominant 3-0 victory over Etoile-Carouge in the Swiss second tier. His clinical finishing continues to make him one of the top performers in the league.
Lawrence Ati Zigi was in goal for St. Gallen as they cruised to a resounding 3-0 victory over FC Basel in the Swiss Super League. Zigi made 5 crucial saves to keep a clean sheet, playing a major role in his side’s dominant performance.
Belgium
Jerry Afriyie featured for 78 minutes for RAAL La Louviere in a goalless draw against Royal Antwerp in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. Afriyie was solid in midfield, contributing to the defensive efforts of his side.
Joseph Opoku played 68 minutes for Zulte Waregem in their Belgian League clash against Standard Liege. Despite the side’s 2-1 loss, Opoku’s composure and work rate were evident throughout the game
Fuseini Mohammed played 77 minutes for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in their 2-1 win over Genk in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. His performance in midfield helped secure the win for his side.
Czech Republic
Prince Kwabena Adu came on for the final 18 minutes plus added time for Viktoria Plzen in their 3-0 away win over Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic.
United States
Joseph Paintsil played 50 minutes for LA Galaxy as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Colorado Rapids in MLS.
Saudi Arabia
Christopher Bonsu Baah played the full 90 minutes and provided 1 assist for Al Qadsiah in their 4-1 demolition of Al Kholood in the Saudi Professional League.
He completed 4/5 of his dribbles and helped defensively with 2 interceptions and 1 clearance.
Austria
Edmund Baidoo started and lasted 60 minutes for FC Salzburg in their 1-0 loss to SK Rapid in the Austrian Bundesliga.
