It is midweek again and that means another exciting week of Champions League action. This year Ghana has 4 players registered for Champions League football. This is an increase from last year where only 3 players were part of UCL teams.
The 4 Players are Edmund Addo (Sheriff Tiraspol – Moldova/Transnistria*), Kamal Sowah (Club Brugge – Belgium), Malik Abubakari (Malmö – Sweden), and Mohammed Kudus (Ajax – Netherlands).
Between them they have managed 391 minutes in two matchdays an increase from 236 the previous campaign.
Edmund Addo (Sheriff Tiraspol – Moldova/Transnistria)
Sheriff have had a dream start to their UCL campaign. They currently sit top of group D after beating Shakhtar Donetsk at home, and then claiming a famous win at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium over 13-time winners, Real Madrid.
Edmund Addo has been key to their success. He has played all but 6 minutes in the Champions League group stages for the Moldovan side. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he has helped keep Sheriff solid and make things difficult for their opponents. Sheriff will be hoping they can continue their perfect start with a win away at European underachievers Internazionale of Milan.
Addo has impressed per the numbers, leading the team in pressures (42) whilst ranking 2nd in tackles and interceptions (12). He has also not made a single error leading to a shot.
Kamal Sowah (Club Brugge – Belgium)
Brugge are also enjoying a strong start to the European campaign. They are currently joint top of Group A after a draw against Lionel Messi’s PSG and a win over a faltering RB Leipzig side.
Sowah has started both games for the Belgian side. Despite not registering a goal or assist, he has been one of their key ball progressors with his dribbling. He will have to put a shift and make himself count as the Blue and Black machine host Manchester City.
The former Leicester man has not really impressed on an individual level with no standout stats but he is playing as tertiary or even quaternary creative and scoring outlet per the numbers.
Malik Abubakari (Malmö – Sweden)
Malmö have been poor. With 7 goals conceded in 2 games versus Juventus and Zenit St. Petersburg and a trip to the European champions next, things could get ugly.
Abubakari has been a bench option for the 1979 European Cup finalists and has had little impact. In 60 minutes, he has had just 2 shots and 1 touch in the penalty area. Chelsea will likely make light work of the Swedish champions and the Ghanaian striker is very likely to only feature briefly towards the end.
Mohammed Kudus (Ajax – Netherlands)
Ajax are sitting pretty on the summit of Group C with two wins against Besiktas and Sporting Lisbon respectively. Next, they host Borussia Dortmund at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.
Kudus is yet to register an appearance in Europe this season. It is understandable given he is working his way back to full fitness. Tuesday’s game might be his first game, but he will surely work his way back into the side as the season progresses.
