Performance of Top African Players in Europe as Amad Diallo Sinks Liverpool

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Amad Diallo deserves more playing time, following his dramatic winning goal in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final last weekend.

The Ivorian winger, making just his fourth appearance of the season after recovering from a serious knee injury, came off the bench and scored in added time at the end of extra-time.

He's not the sole African standout making waves in European football over the weekend.

Here, Sports Brief showcases African headline-makers in the FA Cup and major European leagues:

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Football

ENGLAND

Amad Diallo (Manchester United)

The 21-year-old, who was substituted onto the field towards the conclusion of regular time, maintained his composure to confidently place the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after receiving a pass from Alejandro Garnacho.

However, the winger was subsequently shown a red card for removing his shirt during his celebration.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mo Salah found the net as Liverpool took a 2-1 lead against United just before half-time at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old now boasts 13 goals in 14 matches against Liverpool's arch-rivals and has amassed a total of 21 goals in all competitions this season.

David Datro Fofana (Burnley)

The Ivorian contributed a goal as Burnley enhanced their slim Premier League survival prospects with a 2-1 win over Brentford at Turf Moor.

Despite squandering a promising opportunity before halftime, the 21-year-old Chelsea loanee redeemed himself by beating goalkeeper Mark Flekken in the 62nd minute to extend his team's lead to 2-0.

SPAIN

Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)

En-Nesyri scored his fifth goal in seven games for Sevilla, yet it failed to secure his team a La Liga victory against Celta Vigo, who mounted a comeback to win 2-1.

Following his substitution, the Moroccan engaged in a heated exchange with coach Quique Sanchez Flores, but teammate Lucas Ocampos intervened to diffuse the situation.

Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid midfielder Diaz, filling in for the suspended Jude Bellingham, calmly slotted home the third goal in a 4-2 victory over Osasuna.

Diaz has received a call-up from Morocco for upcoming friendlies against Angola and Mauritania, despite previously representing Spain once in a 2021 friendly match.

GERMANY

Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)

Guirassy continued his impressive form by scoring for the fifth consecutive game as Stuttgart solidified their hold on third place with a commanding 3-0 victory over local rivals Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

The striker fired a precise shot into the left corner to cap off a Stuttgart counterattack late in the first half, setting his team on the path to victory. With this goal, the Guinea international has now scored an impressive 22 times in just 20 league appearances this season.

AMADOU HAIDARA (RB Leipzig)

Haidara found the net for the fourth goal in RB Leipzig's dominant 5-1 victory over Cologne.

The Malian midfielder unleashed a powerful low left-footed shot from the edge of the box after Cologne failed to clear a corner. This goal marked Haidara's first in nearly a year

FRANCE

Terem Moffi (Nice)

Moffi has faced challenges in regaining his top form since his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, where he saw limited action during the Super Eagles' journey to the final.

Nevertheless, he showcased his talents in a leading capacity as Nice secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Lens in Ligue 1. He notched an early goal to open the scoring and later converted a penalty for his second goal, sealing his team's third.

Andre Ayew (Le Havre)

Despite Ayew scoring his fourth goal since joining Le Havre in November, his efforts were not enough to prevent his team from succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Clermont.

This loss leaves them just two points above the relegation zone. Ayew made the move to the Normandy outfit on a deal until the end of the season after departing Nottingham Forest as a free agent.

Why Diallo took off his shirt despite yellow card

In a hilarious post-match interview, the young winger claimed he forgot he had been booked earlier in the game.

Under section 12 of the IFAB Laws on Fouls and Misconduct, a player taking off their shirt has been placed in the same category as provocative and excessive celebrations.