African football stars once again lit up European leagues over the weekend, showcasing their talent and delivering crucial goals for their respective clubs. From Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa’s contributions in the Premier League to Ademola Lookman’s brilliance in Serie A, these players proved vital in their teams’ successes, even as results varied. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of their outstanding performances.
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa Lead Brentford Past Newcastle
Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo and DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa continued their impressive seasons for Brentford, guiding their team to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Newcastle United at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Mbeumo opened the scoring in the seventh minute, curling a precise shot past Nick Pope after a well-crafted cross from Christian Norgaard. However, Newcastle quickly leveled through Alexander Isak, who headed home a rebound from Jacob Murphy’s initial effort.
Precision from Wissa pic.twitter.com/UPMAO0jfn8
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 7, 2024
Wissa restored Brentford’s lead in the 28th minute with a composed finish, and despite Harvey Barnes equalizing for Newcastle, the Bees surged ahead with goals from Nathan Collins and Kevin Schade. The dynamic duo of Mbeumo and Wissa played pivotal roles in securing all three points in a high-octane Premier League clash.
Tariq Lamptey Ends Goal Drought in Brighton-Leicester Draw
At the King Power Stadium, Ghanaian fullback Tariq Lamptey ended his four-year Premier League goal drought with a brilliant strike in Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City.
What a goal from Tariq… @MonsterEnergy ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/2vWWXmySwx
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 8, 2024
Lamptey’s goal put Brighton ahead early in a tightly contested game, showcasing his offensive prowess with a well-timed run and precise finish. Substitute Yankuba Minteh doubled the Seagulls’ lead in the 79th minute, appearing to seal a vital away win. However, Leicester mounted a dramatic late comeback, with Jamie Vardy and Bobby De Cordova-Reid scoring in the dying moments to snatch a draw.
Ademola Lookman’s Heroics Propel Atalanta Past AC Milan
In Serie A, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman delivered a match-winning performance for Atalanta in their 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium.
Atalanta took the lead in the 12th minute through Charles De Ketelaere, who capitalized on Marten De Roon’s perfectly delivered free-kick. Milan responded swiftly, with Alvaro Morata equalizing after a pinpoint cross from Rafael Leao. As the game appeared to be heading for a draw, Lookman emerged as the hero, scoring a late winner to secure all three points for Atalanta. The result saw Atalanta leapfrog Napoli to take the top spot in Serie A.
Inaki Williams Shines in Athletic Bilbao’s LaLiga Victory
In LaLiga, Ghana’s Inaki Williams played a key role in Athletic Bilbao’s 2-0 win over Villarreal. Williams was instrumental in sealing the victory, scoring Bilbao’s second goal in the 69th minute after Aitor Paredes had given the hosts an early lead in the 15th minute.
Williams’ clinical finish capped a dominant display by Bilbao, reinforcing his importance to the team’s attacking lineup.
A Iñaki Williams le encanta celebrar en San Mamés.#AthleticVillarreal #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/6VyWHnCSQY
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 8, 2024
Samuel Essende Continues Scoring Form in Bundesliga
DR Congo international Samuel Essende maintained his fine form in the Bundesliga, netting his third goal of the season in Augsburg’s 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
After a goalless first half, the game came alive in the second, with Frankfurt taking the lead through Hugo Ekitike in the 55th minute. Augsburg quickly equalized through Phillip Tietz, and Essende then put his team ahead in the 71st minute with a composed finish. However, Can Uzun’s equalizer three minutes later ensured the points were shared in an evenly matched encounter.
Morgan Guilavogui Scores in Bayer Leverkusen’s Win
Despite missing their injured Nigerian star Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-1 victory over St. Pauli in the Bundesliga. Guinea international Morgan Guilavogui scored St. Pauli’s only goal, but Leverkusen’s dominance ensured they took all three points.
Leverkusen’s strong start to the season continues to solidify their position as one of the Bundesliga’s top contenders.
Moses Simon Secures Late Win for Nantes
In Ligue 1, Nigeria’s Moses Simon was the hero for Nantes, scoring an 89th-minute winner in a narrow 1-0 victory over Rennes. With the game heading for a stalemate at the Stade de la Beaujoire, Simon latched onto a Nicolas Pallois assist and fired home, delivering a vital three points for his team.
Simon’s late heroics highlighted his ability to deliver in crucial moments, earning Nantes a much-needed win in the French top flight.
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