In the run-up to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire (January 13-February 11, 2024), several African internationals proved their current form. In a minor event, Egypt's Mohamed Salah went scoreless in the Liverpool-Manchester United match (0-0).
Bayer Leverkusen stay on course. Spanish coach Xabi Alonso's team beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 to stay top of the Bundesliga (Matchday 15). Nigeria's Victor Boniface opened the scoring for Werkself. In England (matchday 17), West Ham United (8th) came out on top against Wolverhampton (3-0), with a brace from Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus. Senegalese Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea's second goal (10th) against Sheffield United, while Everton (16th) beat Burnley (2-0) with a goal from Malian Abdoulaye Doucouré.
In France (matchday 16), Marseille (6th) won again (2-1), in the league, against Clermont Foot (18th).
Moroccan Amine Harit scored for OM, while the Auvergne goal was scored by Gabon's Jim Allevinah. Brest (5th) moved a step closer to the podium with a 2-0 win at Nantes, thanks to a goal from Benin's Steve Mounié. Le Havre (10th) scored a spectacular 3-1 win over Nice. Guinea's Mohamed Bayo scored the Normans' third goal from the penalty spot. In the race for survival, Lorient (17th) lost at home to Strasbourg (1-2), despite a goal from Senegalese Bamba Dieng.
In Italy (matchday 16), Napoli (5th) came from behind to beat Cagliari 2-1, with a goal from the inevitable Nigerian Victor Osimhen.
In Belgium (matchday 18), RWDM (10th) dominated Saint-Trond (3-0) thanks to Senegalese duo Makhtar Gueye and Pathé Mboup.Ghana's Joseph Paintsil, with two goals, and Nigeria's Yira Sor (1 goal) contributed significantly to RC Genk's (5th) clear victory over Kortrijk.Union Sainte-Gilloise retained top spot by beating FC Mechelen 1-0 thanks to Algerian Mohamed Amoura.Togolese Kevin Denkey helped Cercle Bruges (6th) to a 2-1 win in Leuven by converting an injury-time penalty.
Saibari, Akolo, Bédia on target
In the Netherlands (16th day), PSV Eindhoven (1st) won their 16th match against AZ Alkmaar (4-0), with a goal from Moroccan Ismaël Saibari. His compatriot Bilal Ould-Chikh scored one of the two goals for Volendam (17th), 2-1 winners at Heerenveen.
On the 14th day of the Portuguese championship, Moreirense (6th) crushed Portimonense (5-2), with a goal from South African Kobamelo Kodisang. Despite a goal from Ghanaian Emmanuel Boateng, Rio Ave (15th) were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Vizela.
In Switzerland (Matchday 18), FC St. Gallen moved into second place with a 1-0 win over FC Zurich. The only goal of the game was scored by Congolese Chadrac Akolo (DRC).Young Boys Berne (1st) won (3-1) at Lausanne Ouchy (12th), with another goal from Gabonese Silvère Ganvoula M'Boussy. Servette Genève (4th) were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Lugano (5th). Both goals were scored by Ivorian Chris Bédia, but Moroccan Ayman El Wafi equalised for the Ticino six minutes from the end of normal time.
In Cyprus (Matchday 15), Morocco's Issam Chebake helped APOEL Nicosia (1st) to a 1-0 win in Paphos. In Malta (matchday 11), Ghanaian Geoffrey Acheampong scored twice for Sliema Wanderers (4th) at Naxxar (4-1).
Nigeria's Sunday Olatunji helped Sparta Prague (1st) to an injury-time win over Teplce (2-1), on matchday 19 of the Czech Republic championship.
