Champions League: Kofane and Maza shine against Manchester City

The fifth matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League made a lasting impression on Tuesday, November 25th. African players playing for European clubs distinguished themselves, and this was certainly the case for Kofane and Maza.

While Leverkusen delivered a stellar performance at the Etihad Stadium to defeat City thanks to goals from Grimaldo and Schick, Cameroonian Christian Kofane and Algerian Ibrahim Maza were instrumental in both of their team's goals.

During a well-executed counter-attack by Leverkusen, Kofane used his body to lay the ball off in the center of the box to Grimaldo, whose low left-footed shot nestled into the bottom right corner of the goal. In the 23rd minute, Manchester City were trailing 1-0. Manchester City pressed forward but were met by Leverkusen's rigid defense.

After the break, from 35 meters out in City's half, Ibrahim Maza delivered a superb pass to Schick in the box. The Czech outjumped Aké to head the ball home with a well-placed header.

The match ended 2-0. Leverkusen secured the victory thanks to two excellent assists from their African players. At the final whistle, Ibrahim Maza was named the assist provider.