Africa

Africans In France: Ligue 1 Round 13

One match in particular will remain in the memory from last weekend's round of fixtures in Le Championnat. As well as looking at the Africans who played their part in Lyon's incredible 5-5 draw with Marseille, Massaër Ndiaye surveys the contribution of players from the same continent in Ligue 1's other ties...

Nov 9, 2009 3:22:31 PM

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Ligue 1 : Lyon - Marseille

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Ivorian winger Gervinho was one of the main actors in Lille's victory over reigning champions Bordeaux. Signed this summer from Le Mans, the right winger is now justifying his transfer after a few weeks to get acclimatised to his new team. On Sunday, playing against les Girondins, he was an incessant threat on his wing. He was actually responsible for les Dogues' first goal, when he dominated the defence with his quickness and technical ability.

In what is without a shadow of a doubt one of the match of the year contenders so far, Marseille's African connection shined tremendously against Lyon as the sides drew 5-5. Cameroonian Stephane Mbia was strong in the midfield, showing a lot of determination and spirit. His endless commitment pushed French international Jeremy Toulalan into making a stoppage time mistake, drawing the game level. Sometimes a little alone as he tried to recuperate possession, he fought hard with compatriot Jean II Makoun and made sure Ederson was mute for most of the game.

His attacking team-mate, Ivorian Bakari Kone, scored a beautiful goal with the outside of his foot from a fine Mamadou Niang (Senegal) pass. Unfortunately for the diminutive striker, he would limp off on 57 minutes. As for Souleymane Diawara, who scored the first equaliser, he was part-responsible for two of Lyon's goals because of his absence. Captain Mamadou Niang, on the other hand, with two assists and a tireless work ethic, should have seen his unselfishness pay off, but he hit the post and didn't manage to score.

The main reason why Beninese midfielder Stephane Sessegnon (Paris Saint-Germain) remained unseen at the Parc des Princes on Saturday is because Nice's Mali international, Drissa Diakite, had a strong game. As a sentinel in front of his defence, the tall tower, who is usually a right-back, won every single ball that came his way. Despite Paris' domination, they were just unable to fructify it as Diakite didn't let anything slide. His ability to excel in many positions will make the 24-year-old very popular in the upcoming Mercato.

Called up to replace a few absentees in central defence, Togolese international Alaixys Romao (Grenoble), who is a defensive midfielder, played extremely well in a largely alien position. The Sparrow Hawk played a huge part in helping GF38 to their first point of the season.

At only 19-years-old, French-born Moroccan midfielder Younes Belhanda (Montpellier) was once again up to his antics. Against Valenciennes, he managed to really lead his team, offering an assist and giving a pass that also could have been another if not for the post. A youngster who has shown promise on a regular basis this season, Montpellier will have a lot of trouble to keeping Lyon away from the teenager.

Massaër Ndiaye, Goal.com

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