Moroccan forwards Ayoub El Kaabi and Amine El Ouazzani led the charge for African players in Thursday's matches from the UEFA Europa League as the group stage approaches its conclusion.
El Kaabi continues to produce at a high rate for Greek giants Olympiacos. The 31-year-old striker produced the only goal of the match in the 79th minute for an important victory away from home at FC Porto. The former Wydad AC star received a low cross from Christos Mouzakitis and finished low for his 18th goal in all competitions this season to boost Olympiacos to 12th place on the table.
In Belgium, El Ouazzani got Portugal's Braga off to a dream start but the visitors fell to Royal Union SG. The forward was in the right spot to fire in his 10th goal of the season after Bruma nodded down a cross from the right wing. El Ouazzani's Braga team are two points behind in the race for a position among the top 24 clubs who qualify for the final round, making their final group stage match at home against Lazio a must-win next week.
Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers also shined in a losing effort for his club Rangers FC. The Scottish club fell in heartbreaking fashion to Manchester United, losing 2-1 to drop down to 13th place on the table. Dessers muscled off Harry Maguire to receive a long ball from James Tavernier and smashed home an equalizer in the 88th minute only to watch his team lose it late when Bruno Fernandes struck in stoppage time.
The Europa League group stage concludes next Thursday with plenty to determine on the final days as clubs battle for position to advance to the knockout stages.
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