The second leg of the Europa League Round of 8 takes place this Thursday, February 22.A number of African players are in the running for a place in the quarter-finals. Here are 5 Africans facing the challenges ahead.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Olympique de Marseille) as savior?
Olympique de Marseille just can't seem to get it right. Struggling in the league (9th, 30 pts), they need the Europa League to survive. Having sacked Gennaro Gattuso this week, the OM management have decided to entrust Jean-Louis Gasset with the interim management for the rest of the season. The French coach will have to rely on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to get the team back on track. The Gabonese striker has the challenge of wearing the mantle of leader over the coming weeks, starting this Thursday, February 22. With 6 goals in this Europa League campaign, Aubameyang is the competition's all-time top scorer. Scorer last week in the first leg of the Round of 8 against Shakhtar (2-2), he will have to spearhead Marseille's attack in front of a home crowd that will be keen to push the team to qualification.
Amine Gouiri (Rennes) to lead the "remontada"?
Severely beaten 3-0 by AC Milan in the first leg, Stade Rennais are in dire straits ahead of the second leg.Can they pull off the feat in front of their Roazhon Park fans? One thing's for sure: the Bretons will be looking to put the Milanese, who lost 4-2 to Monza in Serie A at the weekend, to the sword. If Rennes are to make history this evening, they will need to rely on a great Amine Gouiri. The Algerian striker will need to be at his best to showcase his goal scoring and attacking talents. After a disappointing performance at the San Siro, Amine Gouiri, with his 2 Europa League goals this season, must do much better.
Ousmane Diomande (Sporting), in the skin of an African champion
Sporting Portugal took a big step towards qualification with a 1-3 win over Young Boys in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.The Portuguese will now be able to launch Ousmane Diomande, who has not played a minute since his return from the African Cup of Nations.With his African Championship title, he is ready to return to the pitch and the Sporting colors.Warmly celebrated by his team-mates on his return with the title, the Ivorian defender is eager to show his worth once again.With a starting berth expected in the return leg, the 20-year-old will be keen to prove himself once again on a global scale.
Yankuba Minteh (Feyenoord), out to show off
Gambian international Yankuba Minteh is expected to be at the Stadio Olimpico for Roma's clash with Feyenoord.A starter in the first leg (1-1), the Scorpion showed himself to be quite interesting, but he will have to be more decisive this Thursday, February 22.With no goals or assists so far in the Europa League, he would be well advised to unlock his scoring potential against the Romans.On loan from Newcastle this season, Yankuba Minteh is looking for game time.With his great potential, his discovery of a European competition is a gas pedal in his individual development.
Nampalys Mendy (RC Lens), facing the competition
RC Lens will be able to count on Nampalys Mendy to maintain control in midfield. The Senegalese international remained on the bench throughout the first leg against Freiburg (0-0). For this trip to Germany, having the Senegalese's experience and composure will be an asset for Franck Haise. A starter after several weeks' absence due to injury and the African Cup of Nations.His coach is keen to highlight the competition."He was troubled at the end of the year when he could have played in a series of matches, then he left for the AFCON and we didn't see him for over a month. He played very little. What interests me is to see how he's getting on in training, and that's reassuring. Then there's the competition. That's one aspect of soccer that will never chaI have more than 20 players who have the quality to play. After that, experience counts. We saw that of Salis (Abdul Samed), who brought something to the table when we weren't at our best on Thursday. Now it's Nampalys' turn!
