- From Ati-Zigi’s clean sheet to Kudus’ artistry and Semenyo’s fearless finishing, Ghanaian stars lit up the European stage over the weekend
- If these early signs are anything to go by, supporters can brace themselves for a season packed with drama, pride, and flashes of Black Star brilliance
- YEN.com.gh takes a closer look at how Ghana’s finest performed as the new European campaign kicked off in full swing
The long wait for the 2025/26 season finally ended over the weekend, and football fans were treated to a thrilling start.
For Ghanaians, the joy was doubled, as several of the country’s brightest names lit up pitches across Europe and beyond.
Source: Getty Images
From commanding goalkeeping displays to game-changing assists and goals, the Black Stars’ representatives gave fans plenty to cheer about.
Here’s a rundown of how they fared.
Performance of Ghanaian players abroad
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati-Zigi stood tall in Switzerland, keeping a clean sheet as St Gallen bulldozed Walenstadt 13–0 in the Swiss Cup Round of 32.
In Ireland, shot-stopper Joseph Anang kept a clean sheet for St Patrick’s in their 2-0 win against Shelbourne in the round of eight in the Irish FAI Cup
Defenders
In France, Gideon Mensah featured for the full duration as AJ Auxerre edged Lorient 1–0 in Ligue 1.
Ebenezer Annan also lasted the entire match as Saint Etienne demolished Rodez 4–0 in Ligue 2.
Elsewhere in Turkey, Alexander Djiku watched from the bench as Fenerbahce shared the spoils with Goztepe.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey marked his Villarreal debut in a hard-fought 2–0 triumph over Real Oviedo, who themselves had Kwesi Sibo in action.
Elisha Owusu led Auxerre as captain in their win against Lorient, proving his growing influence at the club.
It wasn’t all rosy for others, though. Abdul Salis Samed came off the bench for Nice but couldn’t prevent defeat against Toulouse, while Abu Francis missed out entirely.
In Denmark, Caleb Yirenkyi played the full match, though FC Nordsjaelland fell 3–1 to FC Copenhagen.
And then came the standout. Mohammed Kudus was in sizzling form in England, delivering two brilliant assists as Tottenham swept aside Burnley in the Premier League.
Forward
Antoine Semenyo grabbed the headlines in England, netting twice against Liverpool despite Bournemouth falling 4–2.
His brilliance was slightly marred by racial abuse, but his performance reminded everyone of his growing stature in the league.
Kamaldeen Sulemana featured in Atalanta’s friendly against Juventus, with Serie A action looming.
In the Championship, Jordan Ayew worked tirelessly for Leicester City, though they slipped 2–1 to Preston.
His teammate Abdul Fatawu Issahaku also put in a shift before being withdrawn late on.
Elsewhere in the second tier, Brandon Thomas-Asante was on target as Coventry staged a stunning 5–3 comeback win, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
Ibrahim Osman, on loan from Brighton, provided a clever assist to help Auxerre secure their win over Lorient.
According to KickGH, Joseph Paintsil scored for LA Galaxy in the MLS in their 3-1 loss to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Ibrahim Sadiq also found the net for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie, and Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer delivered Hamburg’s extra-time winner in the German Cup.
Augustine Boakye, on the other hand, turned provider, setting up two goals for Saint Etienne in their emphatic victory.
Back in Spain, Inaki Williams led from the front as captain, guiding Athletic Club to a dramatic 3–2 win over Sevilla in their La Liga opener.
Source: Getty Images
In Denmark, teen sensation Prince Amoako’s strike wasn’t enough to prevent Nordsjaelland from slipping to their fourth straight defeat.
Tottenham star jokingly claims Kudus is Brazilian
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Richarlison jokingly claimed Mohammed Kudus might just be Brazilian after the pair combined for two goals in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Burnley.
The Brazilian forward was full of praise for Kudus, even suggesting that his style of play could easily pass for that of a native Brazilian.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
