AFRICANS IN EUROPE: TEAM OF THE WEEK 28-29 APRIL
Goalkeeper:
Ali Ahamada (Toulouse – France & Comoros)
Despite their one nil home defeat to Montpellier the goalkeeper put up a man of the match performance. He had several steps including a penalty from Ligue 1’s top scorer Olivier Giroud.
Defenders:
Georges Mandjeck (Auxerre – Cameroon)
Brought back into central defence against Brest, the former Rennes man lived up to the task. Despite Brest’s weaknesses, Auxerre relied on his technical baggage to put the ball forward, especially during the first half which was high in intensity.
Bruno Ecuele Manga (Lorient – Gabon)
Against Marseille, the Gabonese defender had a perfect match. He was always in the right place and right time as he helped his team to a 2-1 victory over Marseille.
Aymen Abdennour (Toulouse – Tunisia)
Despite his team’s defeat, the Tunisian had solid performance in defence as well as restarting the game.
Midfielder:
Seydou Keita (Barcelona – Mali)
He stamped his authority in the middle of the park against Rayo Vallecano, scoring a goal and equally assisting one in their 7-1 thumping of the Madrid side.
Yaya Touré (Manchester City – Ivory Coast)
Controlled the midfield in the Manchester derby and was on top of his game throughout the encounter as the citizens edged their neighbours one nil to move on top of the Premiership. His rapid recovery from a knee injury is certainly a boost in the Citizens title quest.
Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy – Cameroon)
He came on about half an hour to go against Caen. He was very busy throughout this period and this hard work paid off as he got the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Caen.He showed glimpses of his hey days at Monaco as Nancy grabbed a vital point in their bid to secure top flight football.
Younes Belhanda (Montpellier – Morocco)
He seemed unmatchable against in their one nil victory against Toulouse, scoring a trademark goal. He showed his strength, physical ability as his form would be require to continue their title challenge.
Alain Traoré (Auxerre – Burkina Faso)
He proved to be somewhere back to the level which he was known for at the start of the season. Scored a goal and assisted one in their four nil victory over Brest.
Strikers :
Victor Moses (Wigan – Nigeria)
The Nigerian striker scored a brace in their four nil thumping of Newcastle United, putting an end to the good run of form that has seen the toon win six straight games. The three points might just be what the Latics needed to secure top flight football for next season as they have moved away from the relegation places.
Arouna Koné (Levante – Ivory Coast)
Scored his seventeenth La goal of the season confirming his return to form after having spent the past seasons nursing injuries on the sidelines. The Ivorian will certainly play a major role in his team’s quest for Europa League football next season.
