AFRICANS ABROAD: Salah, Osimhen keep flying the flag

Africa’s exports to Europe’s top leagues were in scoring mood this past weekend, contributing important goals as the various league campaigns ratchet up and head towards a dramatic finish.

The continent’s top player Victor Osimhen found the net again and there were other significant contributions from players in the leagues in England, Italy and Spain.

VICTOR OSIMHEN (NAPOLI & NIGERIA)

The African Footballer of the Year was back among the goals for the first time in his last six outings as he scored in the 4-2 away triumph over Monza on Sunday. Osimhen’s effort was the equaliser after the home side had taken an early lead and was quickly followed by two more Napoli goals as they went 3-1 up.

Osimhen, who was the Italian league’s top marksman last campaign, now has 12 Serie A goals this season, well short of top striker Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan on 23.

MOHAMED SALAH (LIVERPOOL & EGYPT)

The 31-year-old Egypt captain netted for a fourth time in his last five games with the late penalty equaliser as Liverpool forced a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. But the stalemate against archrivals Manchester United let Arsenal go top of the Premier League table on goal difference with defending champions Manchester City only a single point behind. Salah looks fully recovered from the hamstring injury suffered during the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

BRYAN MBUEMO (BRENTFORD & CAMEROON)

Brentford went to Villa Park on Saturday on the back of a run of eight games without a win and although they did not break that streak, their 3-3 draw was an important away point as they look to stay away from the relegation zone. Hosts Aston Villa were heavily fancied and 2-0 up shortly after halftime but Mbuemo brought back to 2-2 in the 61st