The 2014/15 UEFA Champions League is currently underway and a number of African soccer stars have already started to shine for their respective teams.
Those players will look to join a list of African legends, as well as some unlikely names, who have managed to help their teams towards Champions League glory in the past.
Bruce Grobbelaar (Liverpool 1983/84)
The South African-born goalkeeper represented Zimbabwe in international football and he was the first player from an independent African nation to win the Champions League (then European Cup) when Liverpool defeated Roma 4-2 on penalties. Grobbelaar left an impression during the penalty shootout when his ‘wobbly legs’ distraction routine which was credited for the penalties missed by Roma players.
Abedi Pele Ayew (Marseille 1992/93)
The Ghanaian midfielder was influential during Marseille’s UEFA Champions League final 1-0 win over AC Milan in 1993. He delivered the left-footed corner which led to the only goal of the match, which was scored by Basile Boli. He was also named Man of the Match for his overall contribution during the game.
Nigeria – Finidi George (Ajax 1994/95) and Nkwankwo Kanu (Ajax 1994/95),
Nigerian midfielder Finidi George was in the starting lineup and his countryman Nwankwo Kanu replaced Clarence Seedorf in the 53rd minute as Ajax Amsterdam defeated AC Milan 1-0 in the final during the 1994/95 season. Both players were back in the final with Ajax the following season but this time ended on the losing side as Juventus won the title on penalties.
Samuel Kuffour (Bayern Munich 2000/01)
Kuffour played the entire match as Munich defeated Spanish side Valencia 5-4 on penalties in the 2000/01 Champions League final after the match had ended in a 1-1 draw. The Ghanaian played in another final during the 1998/99 season but this time Bayern lost 2-1 to Manchester United.
Benni McCarthy (Porto 2003/04)
McCarthy was a key part of the Porto side which won the 2003/04 Champions League. Although he came on as a substitute in the final as they hammered AS Monaco 3-0, he played a bigger role during the earlier rounds, including scoring a brace during the 2-1 win over Manchester United.
0 comments:
Post a Comment