UEFA CL: Big tests for Lookman, Maza and Tapsoba in the play-offs
The first leg of the Champions League play-offs, which may allow access to the eighth finals, continues this Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Several African players will be on the track to guide their teams.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Brilliant last Thursday to inflict a humiliation on Barça 4-0, Athletico Madrid lost over the weekend in La Liga, beaten 3-0 by Rayo Vallecano. However, Diego Simeone’s men have the opportunity to redeem themselves this Wednesday with the trip to Bruges. To do this, Ademola Lookman will be an essential element. Brilliant since his arrival, the African player of the year 2024 already has 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 games with the Colchoneros. He should again be a starter for this meeting, so crucial for Diego Simeone’s men.
On the other side, the club of Bruges will have some support, notably with the Senegalese Mamadou Diakhon, scorer against Olympique de Marseille (3-0) during the 8th and last day of the league phase. In the middle, the Nigerian Raphael Onyedika will once again be an essential link for the Belgians.
In Greece, Olympiakos receives Bayer Leverkusen. The opportunity to see another duel between Africans since the Moroccan Ayoub El Kaabi will challenge a German team that includes the Burkinabè Edmond Tapsoba in defense, but also the Algerian Ibrahim Maza. The latter, which arrived this summer, is already a crucial element. At 20 years old, the attacking midfielder has 4 goals and 4 assists in all competitions combined. In search of his first Champions League goal, he could take advantage of this European evening to show the full extent of his talent.
The Africans of Qarabağ in search of exploit
Finally, Qarabağ FK, who have already created a real exploit by qualifying for the play-offs, wants to ride the wave on the occasion of the reception from Newcastle. To do this, the Azerbaijani club will count on several Africans: the Ghanaian Emmanuel Addai, author of a goal in C1, the Ivorian Chriso, or the Moroccan defender Sammy Mmae.
In front, Newcastle will have to compose without Yoane Wissa. The Congolese, who has only played 3 matches in the competition in the league phase (1 goal and 1 assist), will be withdrawn.
The program of the day (GMT hours)
Wednesday, February 18
17:45: Qarabağ FK - Newcastle
20h: Club Bruges - Atlético de Madrid
20h: FK Bodø/Glimt - Inter Milan
20h: Olympiacos - Bayer Leverkusen