Africans In Spain

Africans In Spain: Kalu Uche Gives Almeria Win Over Osasuna

Goal.com's Paul Madden rounds up the key performances from African players in La Liga at the weekend...

Nov 9, 2009 7:00:55 AM

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Kalu Uche, Nigeria (PA)

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Nigerian striker Kalu Uche did all the damage as Almeria claimed all three points with a 2-0 win over Osasuna. The Pamplona outfit managed a draw against champions Barcelona last time out but at the Estadio del Mediterraneo, they were well beaten.

The Andalusian side took the lead after took minutes when Josetxo, under pressure from Uche, turned into his own net after Ricardo spilled a cross. Uche was then on hand two minutes from time to fire past Ricardo and make sure of all three points for the home side. Cameroon international Modeste M'Bami turned in another fine display for Almeria in the centre of midfield and looks to have settled into the team since his arrival earlier in the season from Marseille.

Mali midfielder Seydou Keita didn't manage to continue his recent spate of goals but put in a solid display as Barcelona eventually strode to a 4-2 win over Mallorca to maintain their one point lead at the top of the Primera Liga. Ivorian Yaya Toure also played the full 90 minutes for the Blaugrana in the win without excelling. Cameroonian Pierre Webo produced a decent showing for the visitors and Guinea star Alhassane Keita pulled one back in stoppage time for the visitors after coming off the bench.

Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora produced another battling performance as his Sevilla side overcame a resurgent Villarreal side 3-2 in a thrilling game at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Andalusia. Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the most important members of Manolo Jimenez's team.

Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng had an uneventful display as his side suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of in-form Deportivo La Coruna, who keep pace with the top four.

Victor Obinna of Nigeria and Moroccan Nabil Baha both played in Malaga's 2-2 draw away to Tenerife but couldn't help their side fashion a win to take them off the bottom of the Primera Liga table.

Sidi Keita helped Xerez to just their second point of the season on the road with a scoreless draw at Valladolid while Cameroon 'keeper Carlos Kameni couldn't prevent his side losing by a single goal away to Sporting Gijon, who sit in seventh place.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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