Several European countries have scheduled national cup matches this week, and this has given several African players the opportunity to shine.In Spain (in the round of 64 of the King's Cup), Cape Verde striker c scored twice as Rayo Vallecano beat Atletico de Luganes 6-0. Nigeria's Emmanuel Alaribe achieved the same feat in Moldova (8th final), taking advantage of Zimbru Chisinau's 7-0 win over Locomotiva Ocnita.
In Italy (round of 16), Salernitana crushed Sampdoria Genoa (4-0), with a goal from Nigeria's Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi and another from Cape Verde's Jovane. Ivorian Emmanuel Latte-Lath helped Middlesbrough qualify for the quarter-finals of the English Cup with a 3-2 win at Exeter.
In Belgium (round of 16), Senegalese Youssouph Badji scored the first of Charleroi's three goals against Thes Sport (3-0). Zulte-Waregem qualified at Cercle Bruges (2-2, 4-3 on penalties). While Togolese Kevin Denkey also scored for the hosts, Ivorian Abdoulaye Traoré scored for the visitors, and it was Guinea-Bissau's Zinho Gano who converted the decisive spot-kick.
Finally, in Turkey (round of 16), Hatayspor qualified against Kayserispor (2-0), with a goal from Congolese Massanga Matondo.
