Dutch giants AFC Ajax were in an uncertain position ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Turkish club Galatasaray to conclude the league phase but Burkina Faso national team star Bertrand Traoré delivered.
The former Aston Villa winger was in top form, contributing the opening goal in the first half to put hosts Ajax ahead before setting up the second goal in a 2-1 victory.
Nigeria superstar Victor Osimhen pegged a goal back for Galatasaray in second half stoppage time but it was too little too late for the Turkish giants who could have secured a bye to the Round of 16 with a victory.
Ajax and Galatasaray are joined in the Round of 32 by Hungarian club Ferencváros whose African contingent was crucial to their 4-3 victory over Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. Mali national team playmaker Adama Traoré set up Tunisia's Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane for the opening goal before unleashing a cannon from distance to double the lead (first goal in video below).
Ben Romdhane added his second goal before halftime and the hosts held on for a crucial victory. The former Espérance ST star midfielder has been at his best this season but his strong performance arrived at an important time.
Moroccan strikers continued to find the goal as well. Ayoub El Kaabi contributed a brace in Olympiacos' 3-0 victory over Qarabag, moving the Greek titans into a top-8 position and a bye to the Round of 16.
Finally, Turkish club Fenerbahce just snuck into the Round of 32, securing the final spot in 24th position with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the opening goal in their 2-2 draw at Danish club Midtjylland. En-Nesyri now has 18 goals in all competitions this season.
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