European Club Competitions: How Ghanaian Players Performed On Matchday 5

The European club competitions were staged this week, with the Matchday 5 fixtures hosted around various centres.

As the World Cup tournament approaches, some Ghanaian footballers continue to get themselves bust of the field for their clubs looking forward to catching the eye of the technical team of the Black Stars to be included in the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

TGR sports looks at how these players ensured they merit their transfer price.

Champions League

Kudus Mohammed – Ajax

Kudus was introduced into the game in the 58th minute for his Dutch side Ajax when they hosted Liverpool in their second clash in the competition.

His side suffered a 3-0 defeat which resulted in the club crashing out of the tournament.

Kudus might have another opportunity to record his name on the scoresheet after scoring in three consecutive Champions League games, but their best results in that final group game match cannot save them.

Kamal Sowah – Club Brugge

Kamal Sowah was not included in Club Brugge’s lineup for their week 5 fixture against Portuguese side FC Porto due to suspension

The winger was sent off in the last game against Atletico Madrid which they drew goalless.

The team have already qualified for the next stage of the competition meaning Sowah will be returning to our screens after missing yesterday’s game.

Denis Odoi – Club Brugge

Denis Odoi enjoyed 71 minutes of action for Club Brugge when the team hosted FC Porto in yesterday’s game.

He suffered his first defeat in the tournament after a heavy 4-0 defeat against the visitors, however, the results will not affect their chances of advancing to the next stage.

The Belgian side, Brugge, has been the team to watch in this season’s competition after playing four matches without conceding a goal.

Odoi and his teammate Kamal Sowah are already through to the next stage of the competition with their last group fixture against Bayer Leverkusen to spare.

Brugge has 10 points from winning three of four games.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Sporting Lisbon

Youngster Issahaku was in action this week in the Champions League for his club, Sporting Lisbon against English side Tottenham Hotspurs.

Issahaku was introduced into the game in the 71st minute of the game which saw both teams settle for a 1-1 draw.

The result put Sporting in the second position in the Group D standings with 7 points.

To advance to the next stage, they must avoid a defeating result in their final group game against German side Frankfurt.

 

Europa League

Thomas Partey – Arsenal

Thomas Partey made the squad list for his side, Arsenal, in their matchday fixture against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven

The midfielder came on as a substitute in the 57th minute of the game but could not save his side from a 2-0 defeat away.

Despite the defeat, the Gunners are still top of Group A with 12 points and are already on their way to the next stage of the competition.

Kamaldeen Sulemana – Stade Rennes

Highly-rated youngster Sulemana made a brief appearance for his French side Stade Rennes in their away fixture against Fenerbarche.

Both teams had settled for a 3-3 draw and also secured qualification to the next stage of the competition.

Rennes currently occupies the second position on the log with 11 points, the same as the group leaders and will play its final group game against AEK Larnaca at home.

Osman Bukari – Red Star Belgrade

In-form Bukari was instrumental for Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade when they played host to Trabzonspor on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old was hugely involved in the scheme of things for his side recorded a 2-1 triumph in the penultimate Group H fixture.

He provided two assists in that win and will be looking forward to a good result in their final group game against Monaco and with the expectation that Trabzonspor loses their next game against the group leaders.

This could help the current bottom club have an opportunity to qualify for the next stage.

Kyereh made a return to the squad for his club, Freiburg when they hosted Olympiacos.

The game ended in a 1-1 stalemate with Kyereh enjoying 64 minutes of the game.

His team maintains their position as leaders of Group G and also qualifies for the next stage with their final group match to spare.

Bernard Tekpetey – Ludogorets Razgrad

Bernard Tekpetey featured for Ludogorets Razgrad in their matchday fixture against Real Betis.

Despite his impressive performance, the Bulgarian champions were defeated 1-0 in Razgrad, putting them in danger of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

Tekpetey’s contribution to the game lasted the entire duration of the game and was his side’s best player for the night.

To qualify for the next stage, the in-form forward will have to avoid defeat against AS Roma when they take a trip to Italy.

Kwabena Owusu – Qarabag

Striker Owusu was in action for Azerbaijani side Qarabag in their fixture against Nantes.

He lasted the entire duration of the game which ended in a 2-1 defeat to the French side.

Qarabag lies second in Group G with 7 points and needs to avoid defeat against German side Freiburg in their final group match while they hope Nantes loses their fixture.

Malik Abubakari – HJK Helsinki

Abubakari featured for HJK Helsinki when they came up against AS Roma in their Group C fixture.

He was introduced into the game as a substitute at the start of the second half but unfortunately could not save his side from another defeat as they lost 2-1 against the Italian side.

Yet to record a win, his club lies bottom of the table after five rounds of matches and has been eliminated.

 

Patrick Kpozo/Salifu Mudasiru/Razark Abalora/Edmund Addo – Sherrif Tiraspol

Defender Kpozo and midfielder Mudasiru were in action for  Sheriff Tiraspol when they played against Manchester United in the Europa competition on Thursday.

They both enjoyed 90 minutes of action but could not avoid a 3-0 defeat against the English side.

The result means Tiraspol has been eliminated from the competition even before they play their last game against Omonia, the team they managed to get 3 points from in their opener.

Teammates Razak Abalora and Edmund Addo were not included in the squad list

Emmanuel Lomotey – Malmo FF

Midfielder Emmanuel Lomotey could not feature for his Malmo FF in their home defeat to Royale Union SG on Thursday.

The 24-year-old is serving a one-match ban after seeing red in the previous game.

The match ended 2-0 in favour of the Belgians and the defeat is the fifth in a row causing them to be eliminated from the competition.