African players shine in Europa League

Stage set for African players to shine in Europe [Courtesy]

The Europa League draw was conducted on Friday, February 22 in Nyon, Switzerland and the qualified sides are now looking forward to the round of 16 matches that are scheduled to be played on Thursday, March 7 and Thursday, March 14.

Game Yetu takes a look at the African players still in the competition and have a chance to go all the way.

Alex Iwobi (Arsenal)

Alex Iwobi is now a key Arsenal player in the Premier League [Courtesy]

The Nigerian broke into the Arsenal senior squad under former boss Arsene Wenger and has further cemented his position since the arrival of new tactician Unai Emery. Arsenal dumped BATE Borisov out of the competition on Thursday and certainly have the quality to stun Rennes and progress to the quarterfinals.

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Valencia)

Geoffrey Kondogbia will be suspended for both legs of Round of 16 [Courtesy]

Kondogbia’s Valencia crushed Scottish giants Celtic to progress to the next round. The Spanish side is tipped to beat Russian outfit FC Krasnodar in the two-legged tie according to several bookies. The Central African Republic international has begun to restore his dented reputation after a slow spell at AC Milan. However, the playmaker will be suspended for the two legs after receiving a double booking. If the La Liga outfit progresses, they could be the dark horses.

Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan)

Kwadwo Asamoah in action [Courtesy]

The Ghanaian’s side Inter Milan cruised past Rapid Vienna into the round of 16 and will be hoping to progress when they take on Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany. Frankfurt have been in fine form domestically this season, stunning big sides. Asamoah’s Inter will face an uphill task to beat the stubborn Germans.

Ismaïla Sarr (Rennes)

Ismaïla Sarr: One of the hot talents in Europe [Courtesy]

Stade Rennes FC have been in fine form in the Ligue 1 with Ismaïla Sarr being one of the star players. The Senegalese will, however, be up for quite a challenge as they face English Premier League giants Arsenal.

Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

Napoli's Crown jewel Koulibaly [Courtesy]

He’s arguably one of the most sought after defenders in Europe at the moment with Manchester United among the elite clubs lining up to get him on board. Koulibaly and Napoli are strong favorites to beat Salzburg but the Austrians are not prepared to go down without a fight.

When the round of 16 matches kick off, expect the favorites to win but also look out for surprise packages that are waiting in the flanks to grab each and every opportunity that will come their way.