Ivorian striker Lago Junior handed his side Mallorca an unexpected victory over visiting Real Madrid. The 28-year-old’s 7th minute opener stood unanswered until full-time.
Back from the international break, several African professionals in Europe proved their worth and showed little or no hangovers from their trips.
Cameroon international Karl Toko Ekambi fetched a crucial away win for Villarreal against Espanyol on Sunday, as the Yellow Submarine bounced back from Osasuna setback.
Half a dozen African pros were on target in the French Ligue 1 over the weekend. On Friday, it was Cameroon’s Ignatius Kpene Ganago who found consolation as his side Nice suffered a 4-1 drubbing at home against PSG, although the hosts had two players expelled.
Metz moved away from the relegation zone thanks to a lone-goal victory over Nantes, achieved by Senegalese forward Habib Diallo.
Ivory Coast’s 2015 AFCON winner Max Gradel sealed a 2-1 win for Toulouse while Morocco defender Yunis Abdelhamid helped Reims see off Montpellier challenge with a 2nd minute strike.
Denis Bouanga of Gabon made the difference for his side Saint Etienne who pulled off a shock win at the Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux.
Algerian Islam Slimani contributed one of the three goals, as Monaco snatched a late 3-2 win over visitors Rennes.
In The Netherlands, Said Bakari from Comoros was a major threat to Ajax who eventually won the clash 2-1, with the 25-year-old midfielder scoring his side RKC Waalwijk’s goal.
Mali international Nouha Dicko completed Vitesse’s 4-0 rout over VVV-Venlo on Saturday.
In Belgium, Dieumerci Mbokani shot Royal Antwerp in the lead after 19 minutes but hosts KV Mechelen imposed their will thereafter to claim a 3-1 success.
Likewise for Ivorian Yohan Boli, who scored for his club St.Truiden but saw them lose 4-1 against Anderlecht.
In Italy, Khouma Babacar helped Lecce hold AC Milan to a 2-2 stalemate at Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday. The 26-year-old Senegalese scored one of the Giallorossi goals.
