Champions League: Guirassy, Jackson, Diaz and Aït-Nouri among the Africans who impressed on opening night

A mixed evening for the continent’s representatives, with wins, defeats and several standout performances

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Champions League: Guirassy, Jackson, Diaz and Aït-Nouri among the Africans who impressed on opening night

Serhou Guirassy scored twice, Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net, while Rayan Aït-Nouri and Brahim Díaz each provided an assist. Several African players therefore made their mark on the opening night of the Champions League league phase, although their fortunes varied.

The first evening of the opening matchday of the Champions League league phase was packed with notable African performances. Across the six matches played on Tuesday, several representatives of the continent had the opportunity to make an impact, some as starters and others after coming off the bench.

Guirassy, the star of the night

It was impossible to overlook Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean striker was the main architect of Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 victory over Villarreal.

With the two teams level, the Guinean scored twice within five minutes, in the 80th and 85th minutes, to put the German side in control. His first goal restored Dortmund’s lead, while the second came from the penalty spot.

Guirassy experienced a peculiar ending to the game, however, as he subsequently scored an own goal in stoppage time. His mistake did not prevent Dortmund from holding on to all three points.

With his brace, the Guinean emerged as the most decisive African player of the opening night.

Jackson scores for Aston Villa

In Bruges, Nicolas Jackson also delivered. The Senegalese striker started for Aston Villa and scored his team’s third goal in their 3-2 victory over Club Brugge.

Jackson took advantage of a good opportunity to give Aston Villa a two-goal lead before half-time. An important goal for the Senegal international, who has therefore made an excellent start to his European campaign.

He was substituted in the second half, but had already made his mark on the game.

Aït-Nouri makes an immediate impact

Rayan Aït-Nouri needed only a few minutes to make a difference. Coming off the bench for Manchester City against FC Porto, the Algerian international provided an assist for Erling Haaland, who scored City’s second goal late in the game.

Manchester City eventually secured a 2-0 victory in Portugal. It was a particularly effective appearance from Aït-Nouri, who made a direct contribution to his team’s victory despite his limited playing time.

Brahim Díaz also provides an assist

Brahim Díaz also left his mark on the opening night. Starting for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, the Moroccan international provided the assist for Kylian Mbappé to open the scoring.

The Moroccan was involved in the move that allowed the French forward to find the back of the net and showed good attacking activity throughout the game. Real Madrid eventually defeated Inter Milan 2-1.

Another contribution that allows Brahim Díaz to make a positive start to his European campaign.

Pape Gueye and Bentaleb among the other notable performances

Several other African players also produced noteworthy performances. At Villarreal, Pape Gueye started in midfield. The Senegalese midfielder worked hard in the middle of the park despite his team’s defeat in Dortmund. He played the entire match.

For Lille, Nabil Bentaleb started against Real Betis. The Algerian delivered an interesting first-half performance before being substituted at half-time. Ngal'ayel Mukau replaced him after the break.

Mixed fortunes for the other representatives

Not every African player involved enjoyed the same level of success. At AEK Athens, Harold Moukoudi and Aboubakary Koïta helped their team secure a 1-0 victory over LASK. The Cameroonian defender, in particular, contributed to his team’s clean sheet.

For LASK, Nigerian Moses Usor started the game but could not prevent his side from suffering defeat.

At Manchester City, Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo started before making way for Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye. Ndiaye therefore played a part in the Citizens’ victory.

At Porto, Seko Fofana came on during the game, but the Ivorian midfielder could not prevent his team from losing.

For Villarreal, Ivorian Nicolas Pépé and Senegalese Alassane Diatta also came off the bench but were unable to turn the game around against Dortmund.

Finally, Andy Diouf, who started for Inter Milan, suffered defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu, while Mamadou Diakhon came on for the final minutes against Aston Villa.

A productive night for African players

The opening night of the Champions League was therefore a mixed one for the continent’s representatives. Some returned home with three points, while others suffered defeat, but several players have already managed to make their presence felt.

Serhou Guirassy was the standout performer with his brace, Nicolas Jackson scored for Aston Villa, while Rayan Aït-Nouri and Brahim Díaz each provided an assist. Four direct contributions that already place several African players at the forefront of this new Champions League campaign.