AFRICAN ALL STARS: Salah’s late show and Semenyo continues hot streak

Some of Africa’s brightest stars were hugely influential for their European club sides this past weekend with key goals and some outstanding displays.

We round up the best of the performers from the latest round of matches.

ANTOINE SEMENYO (GHANA & BOURNEMOUTH)

Next fixture: Newcastle United (h)

Semenyo has continued his red-hot start to the season with a goal and an assist as Bournemouth defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 on Saturday. Semenyo now has five goal contributions in his first four Premier League games of the season and continues to be one of the standout wingers in the English topflight. It was his cross that was steered in by Alex Scott to give The Cherries the lead, before Semenyo converted a penalty with just under half-an-hour to go to seal the win. The 25-year-old has three goals and two assists so far this campaign.

PAPE MATAR SARR (SENEGAL & TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)

Next fixture: Brighton & Hove Albion (a)

Sarr is not a renowned goal-scorer but does pop up with important ones and he got the opener as Tottenham Hotspur defeated West Hame United 3-0, having initially struggled to break down The Hammers. Sarr headed into the roof of the net from six yards following Xavi Simons' corner to give his side the lead two minutes into the second period. It is a first goal of the campaign to go with an assist, and came a day before his 23rd birthday. Some present that.

MOHAMED SALAH (EGYPT & LIVERPOOL)

Next fixture: Everton (h)

Champions Liverpool looked as though they would be frustrated by Burnley at Turf Moor before they were awarded a penalty deep into injury-time at the end of the game. A clear handball from Hannibal meant Burnley could have few complaints, and when Liverpool needed a reliable spot-kick taker to seal the deal, they need look no further than Salah. It was the fourth time this season that Liverpool have got a winner after the 80-minute mark as they provide a late show for fans. Next up is the visit of Everton to Anfield for the Merseyside Derby in the early kick-off on Saturday. Can The Reds provide more late drama?

ETTA EYONG (CAMEROON & LEVANTE)

Next fixture: Girona (a)

Levante made a fast start to their LaLiga clash against Real Betis, going 2-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes, though they would have to settle for a 2-2 draw in the end. Their second goal came via debutant Eyong, who has just made the switch from Villarreal. The 21-year-old had already scored for the Yellow Submarine in LaLiga this season, so this was his second goal of the campaign. He showed composure to round the goalkeeper and beat two defenders on the line with a rasping shot. It is his third ever LaLiga goal, but he will hope there are many more to come.

ALIEU FADERA (GAMBIA & SASSUOLO)

Next fixture: Inter Milan (a)

Fadera helped Sassuolo to their first win of the Serie A season as they stunned Lazio 1-0 at home. It was a simple finish as the ball was headed into his path and he only had to steer it home from two yards out, but he will say it is about being in the right place at the right time! It is the 23-year-old’s first goal since joining his new club from Como and only his second every in Serie A. That being said, he scored for Gambia against Burundi last Tuesday in their 2026 World Cup qualifier as well.