Bryan Mbeumo continued his impressive run of form with another goal for Manchester United, marking his fourth in as many matches during the 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
The 26-year-old Cameroon forward will now turn his focus to international duty as the Indomitable Lions prepare to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 2026 World Cup African play-off on Thursday. A win in Rabat would set up a decisive showdown against Gabon or Nigeria three days later, with a place in next March’s intercontinental play-offs at stake.
Here’s a look at the standout performances from African players across Europe’s top leagues this weekend:
BRYAN MBEUMO (Manchester United) Mbeumo netted his sixth goal of the season, opening the scoring in the 32nd minute with a well-timed header past Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, assisted by Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo. Since joining from Brentford earlier this year, the Cameroon international appears to be finding his rhythm, becoming a key figure in United’s attack after a slow start to life at Old Trafford.
IDRISSA GUEYE (Everton) Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye played a decisive role in Everton’s 2-0 win over Fulham, breaking the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. The 34-year-old reacted quickest after a deflected effort from Tim Iroegbunam and slotted home his second goal of the season. After failing to score last year, Gueye is on course to surpass his previous best tally of four goals for the Toffees in the 2023-24 campaign.
IBRAHIM SANGARE (Nottingham Forest) Ivory Coast international Ibrahim Sangare opened his account for Nottingham Forest in their much-needed 3-1 victory over Leeds United. The midfielder struck clinically from 10 yards in the 15th minute to give his side the lead. The goal sparked Forest’s first league win since the opening weekend, with further strikes from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson sealing the result.
YAN DIOMANDE (RB Leipzig) Teenage sensation Yan Diomande extended his scoring streak for RB Leipzig, finding the net in a 3-1 defeat to Hoffenheim. The 18-year-old Ivorian broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, cutting past the goalkeeper to score for the third consecutive week. His growing influence includes three goals and three assists in his last four Bundesliga outings.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (Marseille) Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was back among the goals for Marseille, converting a low cross from substitute Matt O’Riley to complete a 3-0 victory over Brest. The Gabon captain’s strike briefly sent Marseille top of Ligue 1, before they ended the weekend second, just two points behind Paris Saint-Germain.
MAMADOU SANGARE (Lens) Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare was instrumental in Lens’s 4-1 triumph at Monaco. Fouled late in the first half—an incident that saw Folarin Balogun sent off—Sangare recovered to score moments later in added time, doubling Lens’s advantage. The result lifted the club to third place, level on points with Marseille but behind on goal difference.
Across Europe, African players continue to make decisive contributions for their clubs, showcasing both consistency and influence as World Cup qualifying commitments resume this week.
