Antoine Semenyo delivered a standout performance for Manchester City as African players made their mark across Europe’s major leagues over the weekend.
The Ghana international scored twice as Manchester City defeated Sunderland 5-3 at the Etihad Stadium, a result that sent the champions to the top of the Premier League table.
Semenyo opened his account for the season in the 43rd minute, finishing from close range to restore City’s lead after Sunderland had twice fought back. He struck again 12 minutes after the restart, calmly converting Rayan Cherki’s pass to put City 4-2 ahead.
Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey completed a hat-trick to keep the visitors in the contest, but Erling Haaland eventually settled the thrilling encounter with a late fifth goal for City. The victory preserved City’s perfect league record and put them three points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Jackson ends Premier League wait
Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson was also on target as Aston Villa defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-2.
Jackson scored in the 67th minute, powering home to give Villa a two-goal advantage. It was his first Premier League goal of the campaign, although he had already scored in the Champions League against Club Brugge.
Villa held on despite Tottenham’s late response to secure their first league victory of the season.
Moriba helps Celta Vigo to first win
In Spain, Guinea international Ilaix Moriba scored his first goal of the campaign as Celta Vigo thrashed Racing Santander 5-0.
The former Barcelona midfielder found the bottom corner with a low strike from around 20 yards to put Celta two goals ahead.
The emphatic result gave Celta their first La Liga victory of the season.
Saibari opens Bayern account
Morocco international Ismael Saibari also enjoyed a memorable weekend in Germany.
The midfielder scored his first goal for Bayern Munich since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven earlier this year, helping the Bundesliga giants cruise to a 7-0 victory over Union Berlin.
Saibari’s goal came 20 minutes from time after he cut inside from the left and capitalised on another defensive error from the visitors.
The goal capped an impressive weekend for the 25-year-old, who had been named the Netherlands’ footballer of the season after scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists in 37 matches as PSV won the Dutch league title.
Nuamah stars in France
In Ligue 1, Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah scored twice in the space of 30 minutes as Lyon demolished Rennes 4-0.
The 22-year-old was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half and has now scored four goals in all competitions this season.
Algeria international Ilan Kebbal also found the net for Paris FC in their 2-1 victory over Strasbourg.
Kebbal opened the scoring after 18 minutes following a pass from Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko, helping Paris FC climb to third place, two points behind league leaders Monaco.
From Manchester to Munich and Lyon, the weekend once again highlighted the growing influence of African footballers across Europe’s top leagues.
