Article by Adelani Ogunrinade
Since its inception in 1992, African footballers have brought a colourful blend of flair and skill to the English Premier League. Zimbabwean Peter Ndlovu, South-Africa’s Lucas Radebe, Ghana’s Tony Yeboah, Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu, Coted’Ivoire’s Didier Drogba & Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez are the first African players that come to mind who lit up England’s most palatial football stadiums in the past.
To date, there are over 52 players registered under an African nation in the Premier League. Host Adelani Ogunrinade unearths these African diamonds every week in a captivating 3-minute long segment on the Fut-Afrique show on Sabc 1. This is yet another compelling spectacle that celebrates the African continent through its son’s shining on the biggest stage in football – the EPL.
On Match Day 3 in the EPL, Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, Nicholas Jackson & Mohammed Salah carried on the African tradition of setting the EPL ablaze with goals:
(5.) Antoine Semenyo (Ghana & Bournemouth)
Everton were 2 goals up in the 87th minute against Bournemouth and still somehow managed to lose the game! What a crazy game! One of Ghana’s biggest attacking threats, Antoine Semenyo scored the first of three late goals that stunned Goodison park to silence! Last season he only managed 8 goals in 33 appearances, this season he has scored 2 in 3 matches already!
(4.) Nicholas Jackson (Senegal & Chelsea)
As another Ghanaian player, Mohammed Kudus agonizingly struck the bar against Man city, another West African footballer Nicholas Jackson was scoring his second goal in as many games. He completed 28 passes with an accuracy of 82%.
(3.) Yoane Wissa (DR Congo & Brentford)
Ivan Toney ended up in Saudi Arabia! The 40 million man seemed to have generously donated a pair of his old shooting boots to his former teammate, Yoane Wissa. The Congolese International showcased his pace, power, and technical ability in Brentford’s 3-1 win over the Saints of Southampton. In his last 10 Premier League games, Wissa has been involved in 10 goals, scoring seven and assisting three.
(2.) Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon & Brentford)
At number 2 is Wissa’s teammate, Bryan Mbeumo. The Lion of Cameroon put on an indomitable performance against Southampton. After scoring twice and creating three chances in the match, Mbeumo showed that he is more than capable of banging in some crucial goals in the absence of Ivan Toney.
(1.) Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
The ‘Egyptian Messi’ has simply refused to vacate our number 1 spot after his prime ‘Ronaldoeque’ performance against Man united. The priceless African gem now has an astonishing record of a hat trick, 12 goals and 6 assists in 14 appearances against Man United in the Premier League!
Find out who makes the prestigious five-man list on next week’s episode of Fut-Afrique on SABC 1 at 13h30.