UCL Highlights: Marega unleashed, AS Roma deceased, & the Manchester Miracle

Mali’s Marega outstanding as FC Porto advance at the expense of AS Roma

Moussa Marega of FC Porto celebrates scoring Porto goal in action during the match between FC Porto v Everton FC for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 22, 2018 in Faro, Portugal.

(July 21, 2018 - Source: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images Europe)

He was missing in the first leg played in Italy and Porto had to succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of last year’s semi-finalists. This 27-year-old, Marega, was a real clutch for the Primeira Liga side who finished unbeaten in the UCL group stages as he became the first African to score in five consecutive champions league matches. His return to the starting line-up couldn’t have been any better. Within 25 minutes, the Beast won the ball from an unsuspecting Roma defender, fed up Jesus Corona and sped to receive the ball and cut it back to Francisco Soares for the home side’s opener. A dream start that levelled the aggregate score and put Porto on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals, only if they could keep the clean sheet.

It was not to be as some rush defending led to a Roma penalty in the 37th minute, which Daniele De Rossi comfortably slotted home past the world cup winner, Iker Casillas. The 2017/18 champions had to go again and this time, Marega was on the receiving end as he netted in the 52nd minute, for his 6th goal in 6 Champions League appearances, an historic feat only achieved by five other global footballers.

In the end, VAR had the final say as it seems to be doing these days as Porto were awarded a penalty in the 117th minute of extra time. Alex Telles made no mistake as he converted to send the Portuguese champions through to the quarter-finals.

Lukaku bags a brace as Ole’s United shock PSG

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates after Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 19, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

There is really something going on with the Manchester United legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The 46-year-old is almost always getting everything right in his 6 months tenure as the Red Devils’ caretaker boss. United went into the second leg of the UCL round of 16 needing a miracle as they had fallen to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of the Parisians. The entire story between the two teams actually became earmarked by the blessing in disguise of having injured players.

In Manchester, Ole was hit by the element of surprise as Thomas Tuchel made the most of his squad without Cavani or Neymar. The German outsmarted Ole by setting up a midfield of five that obliterated Pogba and set Mbappe on his way. On the other hand, Manchester United travelled to Paris without the suspended Pogba, Sanchez, Martial, Herrera, Matic and many other first team players. Ole pulled one over Tuchel and set up a more conservative side with a defensive line of five relied on catching PSG on the break. Of course the Ligue 1 side looked tame throughout the match and their figured approach didn’t bear a lot of fruits. Instead they made errors which Romelu Lukaku hungrily capitalised on, needing no second invitation, one in the 2nd minute and another in the 30th minute. The decider was another VAR decision which awarded the visitors a penalty in the 90th minute. Only the word miracle can describe United’s progression into the quarter-finals, all the decisions and mistakes of the night worked in their favor. The star studded Parisian side was humbled to yet another UCL early exit and my earlier assessment of their apathy for champions league glory may be realer than the word itself.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane and Tottenham silenced the Yellow-Wall at Signal Iduna Park as they grabbed a narrow 1-0 victory that allowed them to advance to the quarter-finals on a 4-0 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund.

UCL: Ajax schooling Real Madrid, the climax of football entertainment

Dusan Tadic of Ajax celebrates scoring a goal with Hakim Ziyech during the Eredivisie match between Ajax and Emmen at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 25, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Aug. 24, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

I didn’t want the ninety minutes to end, my soul was yearning for something like ninety years.

It was all in there; sheer teamwork, individual brilliance, woodwork shots that leave you on the edge of your seat, “poetic justice” and much much more. It was not park the bus stuff we have been made to see recently, but end to end stuff of the experienced up against the less experienced. They were no sacred cows, as long as they were playing the round ball - all was willing to show what they can do with it.

Many post-match commentaries have spoken extensively as to why the holders of the UEFA Champions League crown, Real Madrid, fell victim to the young Ajax side. As tempting as it is to talk about the “bully” who has won the title, 4 times in the past 5 seasons, with many times just scrapping past opponents with a stroke of fortune or as some would argue, courtesy of experience - Ajax’s side of the story is a better one. More so because I selfishly get to say, I told you so as my predictions were all in favor of the Dutch Eredivisie side going through to the next stage.

“We never thought it could get worse, but it did. After early signs of getting back into the game with Real Madrid’s Asensio and Benzema working out a few moments of magic with no success, that other star took his turn to kill the game.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Just seven minutes into the match, as I bumped into the room, Morocco’s Ziyech bumped into the Madrid box and carefully stroked the ball into the net after Dusan Tadic had laid it on the most silver platter. That was just moments after Raphael Varane had hit the woodwork on the other end after being gifted a free header by the unsuspecting Ajax defence. It got worse for the Spanish La Liga side, and it was that man again - the number 10 of the night, Dusan Tadic. This time, the Serbian turned the turf into his dancefloor, breezed past a few midfielders, including the mighty Casemiro by means of the marseille turn, made popular by Zinedine Zidane. As if that was not enough, the 30-year-old laid another assist for the 22-year-old David Neres, a relatively lightweight who didn’t trouble Sergio Ramos in the first leg. As they say, when the cat is away, the mice play- that was Neres. The young forward needed no second invitation as he sustained a challenge from Modric and chipped the ball beyond Courtois’ reach for Ajax’s second. Confidence oozing, Ajax out their traps and Madrid exposed, Neres almost retired Carvajal on the touchline before the whistle came all too quickly to momentarily call out the city fire squad because the Bernabeu was basically in flames.

Andre Onana of Ajax and Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax celebrate following their sides victory in the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

We never thought it could get worse, but it did. After early signs of getting back into the game with Real Madrid’s Asensio and Benzema working out a few moments of magic with no success, that other star took his turn to kill the game. A feisty battle on the touchline, won by another Moroccan, Noussair Mazraoui resulted in a goal, controversially so as the ball looked like it had gone out of play. All I remember is that it ended in the glad feet of Tadic who took his time to place it in the top corner as he capped off what he called, perhaps the best match he had ever played. The unrelenting Asensio pulled one back for the champions but almost immediately, Ajax had another answer. Denmark’s Lasse Schone was delegated a task, preyfuly spied on the Belgian goalkeeper and dipped the ball into the net from the unlikeliest of positions. The Morrocan wonder, who scored in both legs, Hakim Ziyech, almost added a fifth from close range but somehow skied his effort. The four were more than enough to send the champions packing.

Now, the above narration sounds good but what makes this particular match an exhibit of a climax in football entertainment? Very simple, it was a David-Goliath story played before our very own eyes. Whether you were a Madrid or Ajax fan, it was difficult to be blind to the majestic displays. We looked on as a fairytale was being played and written.

The dreams of the Ajax kids were proved valid against the more mature and seasoned Madrid side. Conclusively, all dreams actually remain valid, at least in the world of football. It was all just the round of 16 - what more awaits us in the subsequent stages of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League season.

UCL Preview: Rising vs Reigning stars in Lyon-Barca clash

Maxwell Cornet of Lyon celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with his team mates during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe)

This one probably has an obvious outcome on paper but no so much in reality. One of the champions league favorites, Barcelona will have to be on top of their game if they are to progress past a young and stubborn Olympique Lyonnais. The Blaugrana captain, Lionel Messi, promised the Catalan fans that the UCL trophy would be a top priority this campaign and that they would give in their absolute best to bring it home. In all honesty, you have to believe they could.

Barca’s quality in all the key areas is indisputable. All of whom any Barca fans would have wanted to be fit for the visit to France, are. Long-term absentee and world cup winner, Samuel Umtiti is available for selection for the centre-back positions and so is 21-year-old Ousmane Dembele who will be contending for a starting forward position with the likes of Coutinho and Ghanaian Kevin Prince Boateng.Yes, veteran champions league winners in Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and superhuman, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen are all available to Ernesto Valverde. After steam rolling opponents such as Inter Milan, Tottenham and PSV in the group stage where they finished unbeaten, you must believe the Spanish champions mean business. They are not the only ones to do so though, coincidentally, Lyon did.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 03, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

The French Ligue 1 side won only one of their six UCL group stage matches but could never be humbled to a defeat even when faced with the challenge of the likes of Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk and Hoffenheim. In fact, they inflicted City’s first defeat of the season at the Etihad and settled for a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture with Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet, 22, netting in both fixtures. Bruno Genesio’s men love a big game, also having recently subject PSG to their first Ligue 1 defeat of the season and you must believe they are fit to stand toe-toe against anyone. Barca do have the experience and quality players but Lyon currently boasts of some of the most sought after talents in European football right now. They include 23-year-old Burkinabe international in Bertrand Traore, the “new Pogba” Tanguy Ndombele (22), “reincarnation of Iniesta” Houssem Aouar (20), Barcelona’s target to replace Jordi Alba in Ferland Mendy (23), forward Moussa Dembele (22) and the likes of Memphis Depay.

It’s a battle between the experienced who must win versus the young bright kids with absolutely nothing to lose but willing to give their all.

My prediction: Barcelona will do just enough to go through to the next round even though it will be a fierce contest.

UCL Preview: Key roles for Africans in the Liverpool & Bayern clash

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool warms up before the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

I don’t know why red is such a favored color in football circles, probably doesn’t matter. But yes, it’s almost cute to start by outlining, “we have yet another battle of the Reds” at Anfield on Tuesday. Liverpool will welcome Bayern Munich in the first leg of another 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will have to go down this road without some of their key players while Bayern’s pre-match photos won’t be headlined by the old-timers who are slowly paving way for a new generation. The chief of Liverpool’s defence, Virgil Van Dijk will sit this one out by reason of a one-game suspension with forward Roberto Firmino also being reported a doubt for the visit of the Bundesliga champions. Arjen Robben is not a part of Niko Kovac’s 21 man squad whereas Franck Ribery did not travel with the rest of the team as he welcomed the birth of his new child. Where does this leave us?

Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Bayern Muenchen and Paris Saint-Germain at Allianz Arena on December 5, 2017 in Munich, Germany.

(Dec. 4, 2017 - Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts)

Last year’s UCL finalists will have to once again call upon the pacey African duo of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to lead the Liverpool forward line in the absence of Firmino. Both the Senegalese and Egyptian international scored 10 goals each in the 2018/19 tournament with Mane even pulling one back for the Reds in the final against Real Madrid. It will be a new challenge to contend with for Bayern’s Boateng-less defense who will probably be in need of massive speed. With Van Dijk out and Lovren a doubt, Cameroon’s Joel Matip is the only recognised senior centre back heading into this contest and will have to lead a makeshift defensive line. It probably won’t settle the nerves of the Merseysiders knowing fit-again Kingsley Coman, Robert Lewandowski and James Rodriguez are all available to test that defense.

They are all 5 time European Champions, nicknamed “the Reds” by their faithfuls, second-place on their respective domestic league tables and love a big game. Who will draw first blood and who will progress to the next round of Europe’s elite club competition. I am just concerned about getting my popcorn and soda right.

My prediction: Money on Salah and Mane to deliver the goods for the English Reds.

Africans In The UCL: Morocco well represented as Ajax lose to VAR assisted Madrid

“Ziyech had proven to be a thorn in the flesh to Real from the get go, tackling attackers and pulling together markers to count the numbers on their shirts.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Sounds like the same narrative all over again, Real Madrid turning on the screw to conquer, pretty much to the “bereavement” of countless European opponents. The final scoreline on the night read 2-1 in favor of the visiting Los Blancos but revealed little of the night’s narrative.

Unheralded Ajax completely bossed the match to say the least, but the champions worked on winning it, which they did expertly. Erik Ten Hag’s youthful side bolstered by the talents of Frenkie De Jong, David Neres, Kasper Dolberg, Noussair Mazraoui; all who are 21 years of age except 19-year-old captain, Matthijs De Ligt - were unfazed by the challenge of the seasoned, record 13-time champions league winners. The visitors who have won the trophy four times in the last 5 seasons. A total shots of 19 compared to Madrid’s 13, 50-50 ball possession, 71.4% dribbles completion rate as opposed to Real’s 38.9%, 91 recoveries against the champions’ 74 amongst many other statistics further proves the point. In fact, the whole of first half belonged to Ajax who had a goal controversially ruled out for a foul after VAR consultation, a possible pardon to Thibaut Courtois who had been caught sleeping by Nicolas Tagliafico’s header from a corner. The scores were 0-0 at half-time but one of the biggest chances of the first 45, had fallen to one of the protagonists heading into the encounter, Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech who had his tame effort punched away by the Real Madrid goalkeeper from close range. That was moments after Tadic had his own effort hit the far post. Ziyech would however make amends in the second-half.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Play-off 1st leg match between Ajax and Dynamo Kiev held at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 22, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Aug. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The champions broke the deadline at the hour mark, with only their second shot on target of the half as 18-year-old Vinicius Junior got the better of another Moroccan, Noussair Mazraoui. The Brazilian proved too much for the 21-year-old right back as well as two other Ajax defenders as he blazed past them to setup Benzema for an emphatic top corner finish past the 22-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana. If you are wondering, the answer is yes, they were actually quite a number of Africans on show in Amsterdam. Ziyech had proven to be a thorn in the flesh to Real from the get go, tackling attackers and pulling together markers to count the numbers on their shirts. The crowning moment came in the 75th minute as the 25-year-old Moroccan placed a shot past Courtois from a beautiful Neres cross. They could have had a second one moments later when a quick one-two between Ziyech and Tadic resulted in Dolberg blazing the final shot off target. In the end, it was Marco Asensio who came off the bench to win it for Madrid in the 87th minute by finishing off a swift counter attack.

Real Madrid would be delighted to go back to the Bernabeu with a one goal advantage, more so two away goals for that matter against a less experienced Ajax side, but nothing about their performance on the night gives the assurance that they are out of harm’s way. I am sticking to my prediction of the Dutch side upsetting the champions.

In other UCL round of 16 matches played on Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe and PSG finished it sweet and clean by overcoming Manchester United 2-0 at the Old Trafford, while Roma edge FC Porto 2-1. Before the return legs on the 6th of March, there are more champions league round of 16 fixtures coming up in the next week and we will be there to preview the matches with you.

Africans In The UCL: Aurier the winning wing-back as Hakimi & Dortmund fall to Spurs

Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2018 in Bournemouth, England.

(March 10, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

It’s advantage Tottenham after the first leg of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter between the North Londoners and the Bundesliga leaders. Two quick goals in three of the last ten minutes ensured Mauricio Pochettino’s men have a comfortable three goal cushion when they travel to Signal Iduna Park on the 6th of March 2019. The story of the match can be summarised by looking at the fate of two African wingbacks, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier.

The 20-year-old has been turning heads at table topping Dortmund but this particular match wasn’t one for the books. A relatively dull first-half that saw both sides being slightly conservative in their approach served nothing worthy of a mention. Hakimi’s usual cutting edge crosses into the box emanating from swift runs down the right flank were reduced to blocked shots more often than not. At the restart, Spurs resurfaced from the Wembley tunnel with more purpose and intent, opening the scoring in the 47th minute. Ofcourse it was the “Smiling Assassin,” who fired a volley past Burki from close range but the all delightful assist came from an unlikely source. Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen delivered a man of the match performance playing in an unfamiliar left-wing back role and it all began with that super cross to Jeung Min Son. The 26-year-old Ivorian, Serge Aurier, was probably taking notes when Jan did his thing as he also took a turn in the 83rd minute to swing one onto the path of the running Vertonghen who finished with the venom of a centre-forward. Aurier had been excellent throughout the match, playing the game his opposite number Hakimi would have dreamed of on the night - running up the pitch at the slightest of chances and frustrating the play of Chelsea bound Christian Pulisic.It’s the kind of performance that will perhaps put him back in contention for a starting role in Pochettino’s Premier League eleven after being less preferred, behind Kieran Trippier in recent weeks. In the absence of injured Harry Kane, Fernando Llorente came off the bench to head Christian Eriksen’s corner in the 86th minute which sealed a 3-0 victory for Spurs who go marching on.

The Bundesliga title favorites have all to do heading into the second leg and they couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the electric Signal Iduna, home of the infamous Yellow Wall described as “a spellbinding sight, that may not be quite visible from space, but whose dimensions and noise reach up to the stars,” by the Bundesliga official website.

It’s advantage Spurs but game on for Dortmund and Hakimi, recent champions league history has taught us that it’s never really over until the stern referee blows the final whistle.

“The 26-year-old Ivorian, Serge Aurier, was probably taking notes when Jan did his thing as he also took a turn in the 83rd minute to swing one onto the path of the running Vertonghen who finished with the venom of a centre-forward.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

FT World Cup 2018: Round of 16 Preview [Argentina vs France]

France vs Argentina is a salivating matchup on paper, as both nations boast a wealth of talent across the pitch, especially in midfield and attacking positions. As underwhelming as each team has been through in the group stage though, one must remind themselves that France and Argentina are familiar with this stage of international competition. In recent memory, France reached the Finals of Euro 2016, and the Quarter Finals of World Cup 2014 and are more than overdue a major international trophy. The same could easily be said about La Albiceleste, who reached the Copa America Final in both 2015 and 2016 only to lose to Chile on both occasions. Argentina also made it to the World Cup Final against Germany in 2014, ending up losers again in a 1-0 extra time drama.  Even though each may have underperformed thus far in Russia Here are our three reasons for each nation on why we believe they could progress to the 2018 World Cup Quarter Final.

Argentina

They have the best player on the field

As it has been for each of Argentina’s games in the tournament so far, Messi has been the best player on the pitch. Against France, it will be no different. It is no secret that France will field a more talented side than Argentina on Saturday, but Argentina will take solace in the fact that similar to themselves, France has looked uninspired and disjointed at times. Lionel Messi is a man ready to seize the moment and has proven that time and time again over the course of his career. His 3-touch majestic goal against Nigeria in a must-win situation should be more than proof that the Barca man could prove a match winner at any moment.

They will have momentum after the huge win

France hasn’t played poorly by any means so far in Russia, but they haven’t exactly impressed either. At times they have even played down to their competition during the group stage, which could be a sign that they have yet to receive a stern enough test. Argentina experienced need the opposite in their journey to the Round of 16. Argentina was tried, tested, and bullied around in each of their matchups against Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria. In a must-win match against the Naija Boys, they rose to the occasion through a late Marcus Rojo winner which will surely give them confidence that anything can happen for them this tournament.

Ever Banega

As much has been said about Soampali and his controversial control of “his” men during the group stage, maybe his biggest mistake in the first match was not starting Ever Banega over Lucas Biglia. Everybody and their mum knew that Iceland would remain compact and up to the task of defending behind the ball against Argentina in Round 1, so it shocked Parnell and me when we saw Biglia’s name on the starting lineup sheet next to Javier Mascherano, already a more than a capable holding midfielder. In this appearance later that game, and especially against Nigeria, Banega has shown his quality, and could easily be regarded as Argentina’s 2-3 most influential player thus far in the tournament. Even if Deschamps adjust France’s tactics to press Banega and attempt to shut down his playmaking abilities, Argentina should still see this as a positive as it will divert France’s (mainly Kante’s) attention away from Messi at times.

France

They have a more balanced squad and more depth

We have all seen the mock team sheets and memes at this point of France’s B and C teams. Their depth of talent in the tournament can only be rivaled by Brazil or Spain, and whatever starting XI that Deschamps selects will be full of technical ability, pace, and industry. Cohesion is the one adjective that has so far evaded Les Bleus in Russia, but if they find juice on Saturday, as we already saw against Croatia, Lionel Messi can’t play in goal as well.

Antoine Griezmann vs Javier Mascherano

Masche put in vintage and inspirational performance in Argentina’s dramatic win against Nigeria on Tuesday. He was everywhere Argentina needed him to be and then some, as he harassed Nigeria’s midfield and front men, refusing to let any opposing player in the attacking third feel comfortable on the ball. Nigeria has no shortage of talent in their team, but they don’t have a Griezmann. As deadly a finisher the Atletico forward can be in and around the box, he is a player who’s the best quality may be his clever movement and ability to create space for himself. To make matters worse for Argentina and Mascherano, France has a wealth of players who can break lines and push forward past the midfield third, which makes it easier for Griezmann to drift and occupy space in dangerous areas. Even if Masche marshals him well, it may only take one chance for Griezmann to make the Argentinians pay for leaving him open.

Pace, pace, and more pace

We have seen Argentina’s midfield and defense struggle to adapt to a few tactics in Russia, but perhaps what is most indefensible for them will be the genuine and industrious pace of France. Nigeria may have possessed a similar weapon, but ultimately broke down in the final third a bit too often to finish off Argentina in their gutting 2-1 loss. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t get into the dangerous positions in the first place. France has more than enough pace through the likes of Mbappe, Griezmann, and Dembele to stretch Otamendi and Rojo and allow Pogba and Matuidi to burst forward and create numbers in the oppositions half. Even though Banega could prove a big asset for Argentina going forwards, he will have to do his fair share of tracking if Argentina hopes to retain defensive numbers against France’s attack.

Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #1 Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah

We simply cannot tire to talk about this particular Egyptian. By now, you might have an idea why. The Liverpool forward has scored 30 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, with five of those coming in the UEFA Champions League. He also knows a thing or two about assists, having made seven so far. He is inarguably one of the most dreaded forwards in the football world right now. Check out our Champions League Super XI article to learn how he made it into the list ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #2 Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane

He might have scored just nine goals and bagged six assists so far in all competitions but the Senegalese’s quality needs no introduction. His three UCL goals came in just four appearances and clocked 31km/hr. top speed, more than Mo Salah. He has not had a spectacular season at Liverpool this time, not because of inability but largely the ingenuity of his African counterpart in the form of Salah. Their combination upfront is even a better show of brilliance than their individual performances. With Mane and Salah on one side and Brahimi and Aboubakar on the other, the Porto vs Liverpool match presents a marvelous show of African talent.

Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #3 Yacine Brahimi

Yacine Brahimi

He is not perhaps as celebrated, but he is Vincent’s partner in crime at the Portuguese club. The 28-year-old Algerian has become a very important component of the Porto midfield. This season alone, he has scored seven goals and has seven assists to his name, averaging a passing accuracy of 79.2%. In the UEFA Champions League alone, he recovered 14 balls and covered 55.7km in six matches. It promises to be an interesting affair when they clash with fellow Africans from the Premier League in the form of Liverpool.

Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #4 Vincent Aboubakar

Vincent Aboubakar

FC Porto will be looking up to the Cameroonian forward to replicate his group stages performances if they are going to see off Liverpool. The 26 year old has scored 24 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions and registered five assists. Five of those goals were in five UCL appearances and turning up the style in big games is a very familiar territory to him. Do you remember the sensational winning goal he scored against Egypt in the AFCON finale in 2017?

Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #5 Geoffroy Serey Dié

Geoffroy Serey Dié

The veteran Ivorian midfielder is a figure of maturity and resilience in the Basel midfield. At 33 years old, he still has a thing for bossing midfield. He made just three appearances in the group stages but recovered 10 balls, making four tackles and a passing accuracy of 90%. He peaked in their famous victory against Manchester United when he produced a man of the match performance. However, with the Swiss team facing the Premier League run away leaders, Manchester City, this opportunity presents a different challenge for Serey and his teammates.