UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group H

Tammy Abraham of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on September 14, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 13, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Group H

Valencia vs Ajax- Wednesday, 02 October 2019

These two might be fancying themselves for the group winners spot after excellent displays on matchday 1. Valencia edged Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge while last season’s semi-finalists dispatched Lille by 3-0. Ajax in particular weren’t really at their best despite what the score line suggests. The Eredivisie champions enjoyed themselves a little too much, showboating excessively with manager Erik Ten Hag and talisman, Hakim Ziyech calling themselves out on the relaxed performance. Ajax will definitely not afford to have any more such luxuries when they travel to the Mestalla. Despite their unsteadying backroom changes, Valencia have done relatively well. Just this past weekend, they recorded a rare and famous 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao. A fortress in Spanish football.

It’s a close one, the winner here will be one of the favorites to progress to the knock-out stages.

LOSC Lille vs Chelsea- Wednesday, 02 October 2019

Lille choked on opening night at Ajax, which was understandable, considering their long-time absence from Europe’s biggest club football tournament. The French club can definitely not be any worse than they were against Ajax and Chelsea should expect a tough match against last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up. Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is one of the players who has to level up his weekend’s performance if Lille are to get a result against a Chelsea side who have seemingly found their identity under new boss Frank Lampard.

Group H seems to be one of the most unpredictable groups this season. Let’s get popcorn and soda as it unfolds.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group D

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus scores the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Juventus and Club de Atletico Madrid at Allianz Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Turin, Italy.

(March 11, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Atletico Madrid vs Juventus- Wednesday 19 September 2019

Two European giants who haven’t hit the right form in the new season square-off. Atletico Madrid slumped to their first defeat of the La Liga season, a 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad while Juve were quite lucky to get a point at Fiorentina. Diego Simeone’s men will particularly be interested in getting one over Ronaldo and the Old Lady who knocked them out of last season’s champions league in the round-of-16 on a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. Wanda Metropolitano will likely be hostile to Ronaldo who mockingly returned a cojones celebration after scoring the three goals that saw Atleti out, and at the same time hoping their new star Joao Felix can stand-up to challenge the heroics of his aforementioned compatriot.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Lokomotiv Moscow- Wednesday 19 September 2019

Leverkusen vs Lokomotiv might be the most unpredictable fixture of the round. The Bundesliga giants have had a mixed start to the season, worse off a 4-0 loss at the hands of the Dortmund over the weekend that confined them to an 8th position on the log. On the other hand, the Russian Premier League side haven’t done bad at all, sitting just 3 points off the top after 9 games. They are actually very capable of leaving Germany with all 3 points. Former West Brom’s Grzegorz Krychowiak and highly rated Kai Havertz will surely form an interesting midfield battle.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group G

Lyon vs Zenit St Petersburg- Tuesday 18 September 2019

Zenit St Petersburg and Lyon meet in the Lyon Olympic Stadium for the third time in the competition, having played each other on two previous UEFA clashes in which Zenit took the win on both occasions. After winning their seventh title in the Russian Premier League, Zenit St Petersburg are possible last 16 contenders despite being the underdogs. Lyon came third last season in the French Ligue 1. With a tally of 15 goals last season and 5 already in the new campaign, Moussa Dembélé should be the player to watch. Lyon’s other top goal scorer Memphis Depay is at the top of his game with an impressive start to the season securing four goals and one assist. Zenit also have former Barca forward and summer signing Malcolm in their ranks to help their cause.

Benfica vs RB Leipzig- Tuesday 18 September 2019

Unbeaten in the Bundesliga, Red Bull Leipzig go head to head with Portuguese side Benfica in a group G clash, in Lisbon. RB Leipzig tops the league ahead of Dortmund and is in impressive form, recently frustrating champions Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw. Their star striker, 23-year-old Timo Werner scored 16 goals and managed seven assists in the Bundesliga last season. Joao Felix’s move to Atletico has left a gap in the Benfica attack though Pizzi is expected to play a vital role in this campaign, who scored 13 times and served up 18 assists in 34 matches.

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)

UEFA Champions League Preview(Matchday 1): Group F

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Nou Camp on May 01, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(April 30, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Dortmund vs Barcelona - Tuesday 18 September 2019

Barcelona will head to Germany for their first group clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening. Barca face the Black & Yellow without injured captain Lionel Messi who has been ruled out by Ernesto Valverde due to a calf injury. The Spanish giants are appearing in their sixteenth consecutive UEFA Group Stages and boast a better record against Dortmund in previous ties. Ousmane Dembele will also most likely not start this clash after being ruled out for five weeks due to a hamstring injury while Frenkie de Jong and Antione Griezmann will make their UEFA debuts for Blaugrana. Dortmund have no significant injuries to lament of and a win against Messi-less Barca could catapult them towards a probable top of the group finish. Dortmund’s star player Paco Alcácer who has scored 5 in 4 league games this season should relish possibly heaping misery on his former employers.

Inter vs Slavia Prague- Tuesday 18 September 2019

Czech side Slavia Prague drew a difficult group with Barcelona and Dortmund. They start their campaign against Inter Milan. This will be the Czech side’s second European campaign while Inter Milan is fairly seasoned. It’s a tight group, but Slavia has shown that they deserve the spot by winning the domestic league and the double in Czech Republic as well as remaining unbeaten in their last 22 matches. The match will be played at home for Inter where they’ve been historically more successful against Czech teams. Inter qualified after finishing fourth in Serie A last season ahead of AC Milan and currently at the top of Serie A with Juventus trailing. Antonio Conte’s Inter were the last Italian team to win the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2010 under then boss, Jose Mourinho.

Ajax, the most complete team in the Champions League Quarter Finals?

Their theme song, “don’t worry, about a thing, everything you need; is gonna be alright,” has been just that for the most part, a song of encouragement and consolation adopted from the legendary Bob Marley’s timeless records. As of now, in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League competition, the Ajax faithful don’t need consolation, the song has become an affirmation of the reality and assurance of joy brought about by Erik Ten Hagen side’s on-the-pitch displays.

“They are simply scintillating and a marvel to watch, from defence to attack. Their goalkeeping talent in the 23-year-old Cameroonian in Andre Onana, 19-year-old captain in Mathijs De Light, Frenkie De Jong, the Moroccan left-hooker in Hakim Ziyech and the revitalised Dusan Tadic partnering with the coming of age striker, 22-year-old Brazilian, David Neres ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

The once so called minnows heading into the round of 16 of this year’s UCL competition have shown that they are more, no matter how they fare from now going forward, I am personally convinced they have made their case known before all of the old and young, great and mighty, pessimistic and optimistic. The young Ajax side with an average age of no more than 24 of their starting XI players, of which at least six of them are 22 years and under, are looking a complete side. Perhaps the most complete unit amongst all of Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Porto, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham, who made it to this year’s last eight of Europe’s elite club competition. Here is why.

David Neres of Ajax celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Ajax and Juventus at Johan Cruyff Arena on April 10, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(April 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Barcelona and Juventus are undoubtedly huge favourites to go all the way, mainly because of their leading men, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – the two best players of the century. Both sides would be less threatening and more vulnerable if it were not for the effort of those two magicians. Juve’s progression to the quarters was in doubt after losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid and it required three Ronaldo goals to bail them out. Barca have been less convincing in first leg clashes against Lyon in the last 16 and now Manchester United, but as was the case with Lyon – you can surely bet that it all could still get Messi for Ole’s United because of the Argentine. Manchester City have been rampant in the group stages and even dismantled Schalke 04 with an aggregate scoreline of 10 – 2 in the knock out stages but simply didn’t turn up in their 1-0 loss at Tottenham, who were quite solid to be honest. Pochettino’s men however played the greater part of that fixture on the back-foot and things are looking quite nervy heading into the second leg, more so now that they have lost Harry Kane to an ankle injury. Manchester United are arguably the weakest teams amongst the eight, in open play, having gone past PSG courtesy of a miracle night in Paris and in desperate need of another miracle, if they are to defeat, La Liga’s champions in waiting, Barcelona at the Camp Nou. That leaves us with the Malian Mousa Marega’s Porto side which have been quite impressive though once found wanting in the first leg clashes against Roma and their recent 2-0 loss to Liverpool. As harsh as it may be to say, Liverpool seem to be lacking a footballing identity though they have been deservedly grinding out results. Their 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UCL quarters was more than a boring affair, they barely scrapped through the group stages and most recently benefited from Porto’s mistakes in the 2-0 quarters advantage.

Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax applauds fans after the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Ajax and Juventus at Johan Cruyff Arena on April 10, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(April 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

As for de Godenzonen (Sons of God), finishing unbeaten in the group stages after battling the likes of Bayern Munich and Benfica has been proven to be far from just a fluke. As if that was not enough, they were unlucky to lose 2-1 to defending champions, Real Madrid in the first leg of the round of 16 even having a goal controversially ruled out for an infringement on goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. They dominated proceedings with some total football and received their dues in the second leg, seeing off the winners of the UCL trophy for the past 3 years with an impressive 4-1 triumph that earned a special place in the pages of history. It was the same song all over again in their 1-1 home draw with Juve in the quarter-finals, as they dominated possession with 61% of the ball, and fearlessly knocked the ball around with purpose and intent against seasoned competitors like Juve who have since made it to two finals in the past four years. They are simply scintillating and a marvel to watch, from defence to attack. Their goalkeeping talent in the 23-year-old Cameroonian in Andre Onana, 19-year-old captain in Mathijs De Light, Frenkie De Jong, the Moroccan left-hooker in Hakim Ziyech and the revitalised Dusan Tadic partnering with the coming of age striker, 22-year-old Brazilian, David Neres – only to mention but a few.

It’s all to play for as they visit Turin on Tuesday for the second leg clash with Juve. Should they get past Ronaldo and company, you surely cannot rule them out to go all the way and end their UCL drought, having last won in the 1994-95 season. They are obviously at risk of losing most of their young talent in the summer and may not get the fairytale end to this year’s UCL campaign but one thing is for sure, their fans don’t have anything to worry about. Everything has been alright as the song suggests. They are a unit exhibiting total football and perhaps the most complete team among this year’s eight Champions League finalists, regardless of the results.

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.

UCL Matchday 5: Lyon's African cast set to slow Man City's momentum

“All of Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore, Mousa Dembele of Malian descent, Fekir of Algerian descent, Ndombele of Congolese heritage, Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet and the inform Dutch forward in Memphis Depay will all be options available to take the game to City.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Manchester City’s first and only defeat in the 2018/19 football season came against Olympique Lyonnais back in September at the Etihad. It was an opening group match of the UEFA Champions League campaign where Nabil Fekir, Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet and Memphis Depay were at the centre of proceedings as the Ligue 1 outfit registered an impressive unlikely victory. It’s on again, Pep Guardiola’s City have a chance to exact some revenge or to be humbled once more as they take flight to France on Tuesday.

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)

The notion of Manchester City assuming the status of Europe’s most deadly team is not so far fetched now. After a record breaking title winning premier league season last year, they look to be continuing from where they left from. It’s difficult to find any other club in Europe’s top leagues that has been equally as impressive. Of course Lyon’s league mates in PSG are still spotless but then you would have to consider the context. It is matches like the loss against Lyon or the one against Liverpool in the UCL quarter-finals last season that cast some doubts on Manchester City as a whole and their standing amongst Europe’s elite clubs. If there are matches that are more important to Manchester City and their continued successes, it’s such a continental match against Lyon that they have proven to easily lose in recent times. They will be heading into this one fully aware of the need to tighten their grip on so called lesser teams.

On the other hand, second placed Lyon, both in the champions league group F and on the French Ligue 1 standings will be a tough opposition. They may be far off the pace from PSG in the domestic league but are still yet to lose a game in the UCL this campaign. They are three points off City and face convincing opposition from Hoffenheim who also look keen on the champions league knockout spots. Of major interest, will be Lyon’s African blended attacking setup that proved to be a difficult presentation for City in the last time out. All of Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore, Mousa Dembele of Malian descent, Fekir of Algerian descent, Ndombele of Congolese heritage, Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet and the inform Dutch forward in Memphis Depay will all be options available to take the game to City.

It’s a must watch, loads of fun on show and ofcourse, we will be closely following it.

Moussa "The Beast" Marega, Africa's biggest winner in the UCL so far?

“His slick combination up top with Algerian, Yacine Brahimi has seen him bag three Champions League goals and an assist in just four matches. As a result, Porto are unbeaten in group D, occupying first position and needing at most a point to qualify for the knockout stages.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

One of the most watched football tournaments in the world, Europe’s UEFA Champions League is currently underway and even yet to reach the climax. Like in times past, where names such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and George Weah stole the show, many African footballers continue to headline this tourney. After matchday 4/6 of the 2018/19 group stage, Malian Moussa Marega is arguably the biggest winner as far as impact and continuity is concerned.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during 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)

The most celebrated Africans participating in Europe’s elite club competition in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have started slower than expected and are very much at risk of bowing out early in their Liverpool colors, even though they were finalists in the 2017/18 UCL season. An impressive 3-2 win against PSG at home blindsided everyone to think it was all going to be a walk in the park for Jurgen Klopp and his Redmen. We know how Senegalese international, Kalidou Koulibaly and Napoli stopped them in their tracks in Naples, though eventually responding in the ensuing match by thrashing Red Star Belgrade, 4-0 at Anfield. Now, on Tuesday, the pendulum swung once more and Liverpool’s inconsistency manifested again in  a shock 2-0 loss away at Red Star in Serbia. Both Sadio Mane and Mo Salah have been deserving of the praise and stick for the two sides of Liverpool we have seen so far in the Champions League. None of them qualifies to be the main man, they are still yet to hit that 2017/18 record-breaking form.

We have also seen some African talents, relatively new to the UEFA Champions League, showing up big time for their sides. Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech and Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana who represent the Eredivisie’s Ajax look like they are on a brink to reach the knockout stages after some disciplined performances in the first four games. Ajax is still yet to lose a champions league game this campaign and one more win will most certainly guarantee them a spot in the last 16. The Dutch League’s 2017 Player of The Year has been doing his playmaker job very well for Ajax while 22-year-old Andre Onana has been commanding from between the sticks as they rubbed shoulders with the likes of Bayern Munich and highly rated Portuguese side in Benfica. Koulibaly, arguably the world’s best center back, has been equally instrumental for Napoli who unfashionably top group C, above both Liverpool and PSG. All he is been up to requires a separate piece and even though some we have written on the Senegalese “man mountain” go a long way in describing him and his many talents.

Moussa Marega of Porto runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group G match between RB Leipzig and FC Porto at Red Bull Arena on October 17, 2017 in Leipzig, Germany.

(Oct. 16, 2017 - Source: Martin Rose/Bongarts)

Ultimately, my pick of the African who has had the most going his way is none other than the Malian Beast, Moussa Marega. I had always thought that Adama Traore, the fastest player on FIFA 19, is the only buff and lightning fast Malian, I was actually so wrong. Marega looks like he is the big brother of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Traore. In the absence of FC Porto’s main striker, Cameroonian Vincent Aboubakar due to injury, Marega has stepped up and done just as good a job. His slick combination up top with Algerian, Yacine Brahimi has seen him bag three Champions League goals and an assist in just four matches. As a result, Porto are unbeaten in group D, occupying first position and needing at most a point to qualify for the knockout stages. After having a slow start to his career that featured several loan spells and short stints at several French and Portuguese lower league and top flight clubs, Marega’s wait is now paying dividends. The ‘’Beast” is shining at the biggest stage of them all. Seeing that a last 16 place is most certain for Porto, it will be interesting to see how far Marega will lead the Portuguese side’s frontline.

Koulibaly and Napoli revealed PSG's apathy for UCL glory

“Koulibaly and the rest of the Napoli team hardly had a lot to do in the encounter, except when they could do nothing about Di Maria’s stunner in stoppage time.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Every club in Europe dreams of being crowned with the UEFA Champions League trophy. An accolade for being the best football club, of course after knocking out the rest in the fiercest of competitions. It’s a public secret that Paris St Germain have been literally hunting the champions league gold for some time. Their only European gold dates back to the 1995-96 season when the tournament was still called the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Even after breaking the bank so many times in recent times and consistently hired new management, they still look unfit to go all the way. Allow me to make it a bit more concrete.

Delusions of the Ligue 1

Angel Di Maria of Paris Saint-Germain scores his team's second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at Parc des Princes on October 24, 2018 in Paris, France.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe)

Now, it goes without saying that the French top flight football league is not the most competitive football league in Europe. PSG has won the domestic title consistently from the year 2012 up until now, only missing out in the 2016/17 when Monaco was really on fire. Before the Parisians’ dominance from 2012 onwards, Lyon had also enjoyed 7 consecutive title wins from 2001-08. Even now, PSG look like they will likely go uncontested in the 2018/19 season after winning all of their opening ten games, with some huge scorelines. The pattern of the French league obviously amplifies some of their performances and seem to take a toll on the team’s mentality when lining up against the best there is in Europe. They do have some of the world’s best football talent in their ranks which seem almost unplayable in many of the Ligue 1 matches but consistently fail to put up the same performances in the big European matches. Do you remember how they gave away a 4-0 first leg win to lose 6-5 on aggregate to Barcelona in 2017 or how they cowed when they lined up against Real Madrid in the 2017/18 campaign, losing 5-2 on aggregate. Getting knocked out in the round of 16 of the competition on both occasions. Make no mistake, they do have some real quality players in their squad, almost in all the positions but it just seems never to be enough. No matter how much they spend, nothing is changing - perhaps you cannot “buy” trophies after all.

Koulibaly and Napoli argument

Players of Napoli applauds fans after the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at Parc des Princes on October 24, 2018 in Paris, France.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe)

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been gathering up some impressive results as of late. A dominant home win against the 2018 champions league finalists, Liverpool, have been followed up with an impressive 2-2 draw away in Paris. With Senegalese center back, Kalidou Koulibaly, reaching maturity and attaining world class defender status coupled with the experience of Hamsik, the decisiveness of Insigne, Dries Mertens and finally pure grit exhibited by the rest of the not so world class players in their squad - they have been punching way above their weight. The final scoreline does not accurately show the complexion of the entire match. Koulibaly and the rest of the Napoli team hardly had a lot to do in the encounter, expect when they could do nothing about Di Maria’s stunner in stoppage time. The battle of the match was won in the midfield by Allan, Hamsik and Spanish youngster Fabian Ruiz, who got the better of Verratti and Rabiot. Of course Neymar tried more than once to individually rally the Parisians but the final ball was never really the one they would have desired. The few times they got clear chances, they were met by the inconsistent Edinson Cavani or the outnumbered Mbappe. It was real masterclass by Napoli, with Koulibaly even striding forward in attack on several occasions and fluffing out the final balls thrown into the box during the closing moments of the match. Before Di Maria’s sublime finish, PSG had been fortunate to head back into the game, courtesy of a Mario Rui own goal from Thomas Meunier’s poor cross into the box.

Am I bashing the Parisians too much? Perhaps, but something need to change in their game if they are to become European champions.

What’s my recommendation

Thomas Tuchel is a great manager but I think they need a more experienced guy who has actually won the champions league and possessing the abilities to manage the big egos in the squad. The likes of Zidane, Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho may be some of the options. As of this season, I will not put my money on the Parisians winning the European gold, I am prepared to be proven wrong.

UCL Matchday 3: How did the African players fare?

Bertrand Traore from Lyon celebrates scoring second goal with his team mates during the match between SL Benfica v Lyon for the International Champions Cup - Eusebio Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on August 1, 2018 in Faro, Portugal.

(July 31, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

As always, we once again bring you up to date with the latest action that involved African players in the biggest club competition in the world, the UEFA Champions League. Find out who did what in the summaries below:

Ajax 1 - 0 Benfica

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech and Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana played the full 90 minutes as Ajax recorded a narrow victory over Portuguese side, Benfica. The win took them to the top of group E, tied with Bayern Munich on seven points, with a very good chance to progress to the next round.

Hoffenheim 3 - 3 Lyon

A thrilling encounter in Germany saw Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore grab the headlines as he opened his Champions League scoring account with Lyon’s first before setting up the French midfielder of Congolese descent, Tanguy Ndombele for the French club’s second of the match. Early signs show that Lyon and Hoffenheim might have to go to war the second qualifying spot in group F though it’s still an open group with Shakhtar Donetsk and Man City in the fight as well.

Milan Borjan of FK Crvena Zvezda saves a shot from Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and FK Crvena Zvezda at Anfield on October 24, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Club Brugge 1 - 1 Monaco

Zimbabweans will be pleased to hear that Marvelous Nakamba anchored the Belgian side’s midfield as they fought to a 1-1 draw at home against Thierry Henry’s Monaco on his champions league managerial debut. Of course Club Brugge and Monaco are still anchored at the bottom of group A with a point apiece but still in the running for the knockout stage spots.

Dortmund 4 - 0 Atletico

The men in gold and yellow seem to be back to their electric years when they set the world ablaze with some dynamic football under Jurgen Klopp. The return of the prodigal child, Mario Gotze from Bayern Munich to reignite the Gotze Reus combination that once sent tongues wagging, is well in order. Unbeaten and top of the Bundesliga, BVB have carried this form to the champions league. Yesternight, they ran riot on Diego Simeone’s ever resilient Atletico Madrid, handing them their heaviest defeat in European competition, a 4-0 hammering. This time, they were no Paco Alcacer goals for Borussia Dortmund but a hatrick of assists by the Moroccan teenager, Achraf Hakimi Mouh, on loan from Real Madrid.

Moussa Marega celebrates with Yacine Brahimi of FC Porto after scores the second goal during the Primeira Liga match between FC Porto and Feirense at Estadio do Dragao on May 6, 2018 in Porto, Portugal.

(May 5, 2018 - Source: Octavio Passos/Getty Images Europe

Liverpool 4 - 0 Red Star Belgrade

The story of the day once again involved Mohamed Salah who scored a brace at Anfield to reach 50 career goals for Liverpool in 65 appearances, the fastest half a century of goals by any player in the history of Liverpool. Senegalese international, Sadio Mane, was also on target even though he missed a penalty and so was Brazilian, Roberto Firmino. Fans of the infamous FAB 3 could have been delighted at the showing but caution, with no disrespect intended, it’s only Red Star Belgrade who also got hammered 6-1 by PSG

Lokomotiv Moscow 1 - 3 Porto

Algerian, Yacine Brahimi served up an assist and Malian forward Moussa Marega was amongst the goals as Porto grabbed a victory in Russia. Porto are now top of the standings in group D and look most certainly guaranteed a round of 16 spot.

What was your favorite moment of the UCL matchday 3?

UCL Matchday 3 Preview: After Salah and Co. struggled with Koulibaly, next up is the challenge of PSG's 'MEN'

Paulo Dybala of Juventus battles for the ball with Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli during the Srie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Turin, Italy.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: gabriele maltinti/Getty Images Europe)

Here at FirstTouch, our affection and appreciation for Napoli and Senegalese centre back, Kalidou Koulibaly has never been a secret. Time and time again, we have made cases as to why he is one of the best centre backs in the world of soccer today. On one of the biggest stages to showcase yourself as a footballer, the UEFA Champions League, the 27-year-old Senegalese has done even more than that. On matchday 2 of the 2018/19 Champions League campaign, Kalidou was one of the focal points as Napoli outplayed Liverpool to a 1-0 win. In partnership with Raul Albiol, He got the better of both Salah and Sadio Mane. That is, ⅔ of the infamous FAB 3 at his mercy on the day. Wednesday is another opportunity for the Senegalese to bring all his doubters to salvation.

The UEFA Champions League matchday 3 is on us and Napoli will travel to Paris. It’s one of those fixtures you just have to look forward to. Paris St Germain have all the rights to be more than confident heading into this one especially after being the only European club remaining, that has won all its domestic league matches. That is 10 wins in 10 French Ligue 1 matches for PSG. Their weekend fixture against Amiens, where they ran away 5-0 winners is the perfect momentum anyone needs heading into a match of this magnitude. Before that one, Mbappe bagged four goals as they ran riot over Lyon in another 5-0 demolition. Still rolling back the days, Tuchel’s men had beat Red Star Belgrade 6-1 on matchday 2 of the UCL.  A welcome result after the opening loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Napoli have not been bad either, winning all their last three matches in all competitions and more importantly in the Koulibaly conversation, keeping a clean sheet in all the three matches. They currently sit second on the Italian Serie A table, four points behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus.

“Kalidou was one of the focal points as Napoli outplayed Liverpool to a 1-0 win. In partnership with Raul Albiol, He got the better of both Salah and Sadio Mane. That is, ⅔ of the infamous FAB 3 at his mercy on the day. Wednesday is another opportunity for the Senegalese to bring all his doubters to salvation. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on September 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

As far as the champions league is concerned, Napoli occupy first position of group C with four points. A win in France would consolidate their position at the top ahead of Liverpool and PSG who both have 3 points. And would surely put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages before the return leg in Naples. What’s also true is that all of PSG’s investments and efforts have been towards winning a UCL trophy. With their form and the deadly trio of Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar, nicknamed MEN, expected to lead their attack on Wednesday, entertainment is almost guaranteed.

It goes without saying that PSG will most likely dominate possession and push through for a win with everything. A draw away from home, will not be so bad for table topping Napoli. Central to a solid Napoli performance to deny MEN, will be the Senegalese mountain man and his defensive partners. He has done it before against Liverpool’s fast and counter attacking FAB 3, my money will be on the African centre back repeating the same feat on Wednesday.

UCL: Trouble in paradise? Liverpool toothless in Naples while Koulibaly shines

You just got to love football. You hardly can predict what may happen next, can you? Two weeks ago, we lifted the highest praise to Liverpool, especially their FAB 3 for an absolutely masterpiece performance against star studded PSG. A match in which they took the Parisians’ expensively assembled squad to school, did their homework and finished with the laundry. The Reds were really all over Neymar’s side as they eventually won 3-2. It looked like the path to some glory was as light as day but just two weeks later; we are not even sure what may happen next.

Build up to the match

“In all the glitz and glamour of last season, Liverpool did always look like they lacked some dynamic players in the midfield. But you can’t say that when they are winning, can you? For sometime now, it has been the long balls and lightning counter attackers led by the front three getting the job done for Liverpool which could be coming short now.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Before the Champions League matchday 2 against Napoli in Naples, Liverpool had to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the Carabao Cup before paying a visit of their own to Maurizio Sarri’s men just a few days later for a Premier League encounter. Daniel Sturridge pulled off a rabbit from a hat in the Carabao Cup fixture but Hazard had the final say with an absolute novel goal as the Blues walked away as ‘rude’ guests, humbling the hosts to a 2-1 loss and knocking them out of the competition. It was actually Liverpool’s first loss of the season in all competitions. The Saturday EPL affair looked like the tango with Chelsea would have a familiar end after Hazard opened the scoring with his sixth premier league goal of the season but Sturridge came through to spoil Chelsea’s second Red party of the week. The match eventually ending as a 1-1 draw. As the adage goes, well “it’s just the Carabao cup, it doesn’t matter anyway” with the aid of Sturridge’s screamer, some interesting concerns from Liverpool’s last two performances went unquestioned.

Serving up a boring affair in Naples

Most people would easily dismiss the Napoli clash as the most boring match of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool era. It was simply lifeless, with no shots on goal for the full ninety. Even Liverpool’s manager, Klopp, agreed,

“It’s always a bad sign when you have to say your goalkeeper was your best player, but it was obvious tonight. I have kind of a filter in my brain where I forget bad stuff immediately.”

— Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Manager

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles with Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during 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)

You may notice that we have said nothing of the FAB 3 up to this point, they have just been really almost non-existent in the most recent matches. Mane is putting in the work but it sure looks like he has new found love with getting his name on the score sheet above anything else. Salah is still running down the wing, ever so working hard as well but lacking the final pass or getting stopped in his tracks by defenders for some predictable movements on occasion. At the end of the day, Bobby Firmino is getting lost in the middle of the two wide-men. And guess who is laying up a major claim for a spot amongst the front three? Daniel Sturridge. I do not believe Shaqiri is sleeping either.

Lacking dynamism in the midfield

Kalidou Koulibaly player of SSC Napoli celebrates the victory after 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: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Europe)

In all the glitz and glamour of last season, Liverpool did always look like they lacked some dynamic players in the midfield. But you can’t say that when they are winning, can you? For sometime now, it has been the long balls and lightning counter attackers led by the front three getting the job done for Liverpool which could be coming short now. It’s perhaps the reason why Naby Keita was brought to the club who got a rare start at Napoli before being stretched off with a back injury after the 19th minute. Henderson and Milner are excellent players and “servants” of the club but many a times just to slow, predictable and seldom pick the ball up from the midfield and run at defenders to create chances or free up other players. Everything that Guinea’s Naby Keita brings to the club. Wijnaldum tries to do that but goes missing on some days. This lack of dynamism has been evident in the most recent affairs against Chelsea and Napoli, more so as the FAB 3 seem to be misfiring and Van Dijk looking like he is being overworked. The premier league fixture against Southampton showed signs of how devastating Liverpool could be with one more dynamic midfielder as they played an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 in the first half with Shaqiri occupying the number 10 role. Liverpool is generally quick but they were quicker and sharper ensuring the score would be a neat 3-0 at halftime.

Forget Liverpool for a second, Koulibaly the bigger man!

Putting aside the Reds’ poor showing, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were really on top of their game, putting away a disappointing draw against Red Star Belgrade on matchday 1, they took the game to Liverpool. Central to rendering the FAB 3 toothless was Senegalese international, Kalidou Koulibaly’s organized defensive play at the heart of the defense, blocking everything, heading out everything and working seamlessly with Albiol. He even ran forward on occasion delivering crosses and trying out one or two shots at goal. That’s just how much Napoli had control, a centre-back got to swing in crosses into the opposition’s box. On a day he welcomed compatriot Sadio Mane to Italy, he finished as the bigger man.

Next up, Liverpool welcome champions Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday in the league. Who even knows what will happen? Both teams are yet to lose a premier league match.

UEFA Champions League Round Up: Matchday 2

Lionel Messi of Barcelona is tackled by Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

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

The premium club competition in Europe, UEFA Champions League is up and running. It’s only matchday two but we have seen clashes fit to be finals being played in front our eyes. Who would have thought that CSKA Moscow would beat reigning champions, Real Madrid or that Messi would show off his GOAT nature. Okay maybe, you could have guessed the latter. Here is a pick of the action that involved Africans playing in Europe.

1. (Man Utd vs Valencia) - Kondogbia and Valencia add insult to Manchester United’s injury

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United is challenged by Geoffrey Kondogbia of Valencia during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester United and Valencia at Old Trafford on October 2, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 1, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

The Central African Republic international was in the thick of things as Valencia and troubled United played out a goalless draw. The 25-year-old, Geoffrey Kondogbia teamed up with former Arsenal midfielder, Francis Coquelin to stuff out any potential threat from Jose Mourinho’s men coming from the midfield, winning the battle against Belgium’s Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic. Had it not been for Valencia’s lack of intent and far from satisfying passes in the final third, Kondogbia and his teammates could have gotten more from the match played at Old Trafford.

2. (Porto vs Galatasaray) - Mali’s Moussa Marega steps up in the absence of Aboubakar

Porto had to battle the Turkish giants without their star forward, Cameroonian Vincent Aboubakar who will spend considerable amount of time on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery. Aboubakar’s bag of goals carried the Portuguese side to the knockout stages in the 2017/18 UCL season but 27-year-old Marega looks more than capable to fill the big shoes. His solitary goal was enough to seal off a 1-0 victory against Galatasaray, sending Porto top of Group D ahead of Bundesliga side, Schalke, who also have four points

3. (Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge) - Ever so reliable Thomas Partey does the job again

Ghanaian midfielder has really made Atletico Madrid his home and might be on course to become a future captain and legend. He was involved in the side as Diego Simeone’s men registered a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, taking their points tally to six, tied with group A leaders, Borussia Dortmund who brushed aside Monaco, 3-0

Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale celebrates his goal with his team-mate Kwadwo Asamoah (R) during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur at San Siro Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Milan, Italy.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

4. (Tottenham vs Barcelona) - Wanyama starts but taken off at the 57th minute

After spending a lot of time on the sidelines with injuries and also bench warming after Eric Dier became the more preferred defensive midfielder at Spurs, Kenya’s Victor Wanyama finally got to start a match, the biggest of them all. He was quite fiery in the opening stages, putting out fires and even getting yellow-carded at some point for a tactical foul on Messi but was just as guilty for Barca’s third goal as Messi leaped into the box to place the ball into the bottom corner under his watch. Dier soon came to replace the 27-year-old Kenyan for reasons best known by Pochettino. You cannot really blame anyone though for Tottenham’s 4-2 loss to Barca - they were simply outclassed.

5. (PSV vs Inter Milan) - Asamoah’s Inter record second successive UCL victory from behind

Ghanaian, Kwadwo Asamaoh was deployed once again at the left-back role as his side came from behind in Netherlands, to beat PSV 2-1. Inter Milan have now collected 6 out of 6 available points after seeing of Tottenham from behind again on matchday 1. It promises to be an interesting encounter when they meet Barcelona in their next match with both teams having bagged maximum points so far.

Klopp Calls on the 12th Player to Make All the Difference

In their last Champions League outing, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool gave up a 3-0 lead to eventually draw 3-3 with Sevilla in Spain suspending their qualification to the next round. Many questions have been asked of Liverpool’s defence and mentality but Klopp believes that the atmosphere in the stadium at Sevilla contributed immensely to the result. He is counting on the Anfield atmosphere to do the same in tonight’s final group match against Spartak Moscow. Liverpool just need a point to guarantee qualification. Head on over to SuperSport to see the rest of Klopp’s comments leading up to the Champions League fixture.