AFRICAN WRAP: Goals, assists and sublime goalkeeping

There were significant contributions from Africa’s legionnaires in Europe’s top leagues this past weekend with goals, assists and some sublime goalkeeping ensuring key points for the leading contenders.

There was no more significant a contribution than at Liverpool from Egyptian great Mohamed Salah as his side kept up top place in the Premier League but there were also Africans shining in LaLiga and Serie A action.

MOHAMMED KUDUS (WEST HAM UNITED & GHANA)

One of the best African performers in the Premier League, Kudus helped his side into a surprise 3-1 lead at St James’ Park on Saturday, only for the Hammers to lose 4-3 in the last minute of the game. Kudus scored just before halftime, putting West Ham in the lead after Alexander Isak and Michail Antonio had both found the back of the net. The Black Stars’ attacker got on the end of Jarrod Bowen's quick free-kick and finished it off brilliantly. Kudus was not part of the Ghanaian squad that featured during the international break due to injury and the break looked to have done him a world of good as he notched up his 13th goal for West Ham to surpass the 12 that compatriot Dede Ayew scored during his time in Hammers colours.

ALFRED DUNCAN (FIORENTINA & GHANA)

The 31-year-old Duncan scored after 50 minutes, equalising for Fiorentina at home to AC Milan on Saturday but then three minutes later seeing Rafael Leao score to put Milan back ahead. It stayed at 2-1 for Milan to remain comfortably second in the Serie A standings while Fiorentina dropped to 10th spot. It was Duncan’s first goal since August and expertly taken as he drove towards the edge of the Milan penalty area despite defenders converging around him, before slotting the ball perfectly into the net with a