This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
On a day filled with exciting matches in the European leagues, several African players made their mark. Riyad Mahrez at Manchester City and Mbaye Niang at Rennes scored key goals for their high-flying teams, while Seko Fofana at Udinese and Watford's Ismaila Sarr gave their struggling sides hope.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who reportedly wants to leave Arsenal, had a lacklustre day as Achraf Hakimi had another assist for Dortmund but could not stop his side suffering a costly late meltdown.
Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez proved to be a thorn in the side of his former team Leicester City, scoring the equaliser in their 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. Jamie Vardy had put Leicester ahead in the 22nd minute, but Mahrez levelled the score just eight minutes later.
At Watford, Ismaila Sarr had a starring role in a 2-0 win at home to Manchester United, scoring the opening goal and then winning a penalty that saw Troy Deeney double the lead.
However, it was not all good news for African players. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was far from his best during a goalless draw at Everton, although he did have the clearest chance of the match.
Achraf Hakimi continued his impressive form, conjuring his sixth assist of the season when he set up Mario Goetze in Borussia Dortmund's 2-1 defeat at Hoffenheim.
