African players in Europe: Mbeumo hits first league goal for United

Celta Vigo's Spanish defender #32 Javier Rodriguez fights for the ball with Villarreal's Karl Etta Eyong during the Spanish league football match between RC Celta de Vigo and Villarreal CF at the Balaidos stadium in Vigo, on August 31, 2025. [ AFP]

Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United in a dramatic 3-2 home win against Burnley at the weekend.

The close-season signing from Brentford struck in the second half of a seesaw struggle won by an added-time Bruno Fernandes penalty.

Mbeumo now switches his attention to 2026 World Cup qualifying with Cameroon facing Eswatini on Thursday and group leaders Cape Verde five days later.

AFP Sport highlights African headline-makers in the major European leagues:

ENGLAND

BRYAN MBEUMO (Manchester United)

United had been pegged back to 1-1 in the second half at Old Trafford when Mbeumo restored their lead after 57 minutes. The 26-year-old produced an emphatic strike from Diogo Dalot to net for the second time this term after also scoring in the shock midweek League Cup defeat at fourth-tier Grimsby.

LYIE FOSTER (Burnley)

The South Africa striker was on target against United, but could not save his team from defeat. The 24-year-old netted Burnley's first equaliser with a close-range finish from Jacob Bruun Larsen's cross in the 55th minute. With Burnley trailing 2-1, Foster was denied a second goal when he strayed marginally offside before rounding United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to slot home.

BETO, ILIMAN NDIAYE (Everton)

Guinea-Bissau striker Beto gave Everton the perfect start in their 3-2 win at Wolves. He nodded in from Jack Grealish's header in the seventh minute to make it two goals in his last two appearances after also scoring in the League Cup win over Mansfield. Senegal midfielder Ndiaye restored Everton's lead after Wolves equalised. Ndiaye tapped in from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's assist in the 33rd minute to notch his second goal this season.

SPAIN

NICOLAS PEPE (Villarreal)

Former Arsenal forward Pepe has started the season in superb form and opened the scoring in Villarreal's 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo. The Ivory Coast international exchanged passes with Cameroon's Karl Etta Eyong, then finished with aplomb for his second goal in two games.

CEDRIC BAKAMBU (Real Betis)

Democratic Republic of Congo striker Bakambu scored an inch-perfect header in the final stages of Betis' 2-1 defeat by Athletic Bilbao. It was the 34-year-old's first goal of the season in four appearances, all as a substitute.

GERMANY

SERHOU GUIRASSY (Borussia Dortmund)

Guirassy scored twice as Borussia Dortmund beat Union Berlin 3-0 at home. He produced a typical poacher's finish to open the scoring after 44 minutes. Later, the Guinea star chipped the goalkeeper after a fluid team move on 58 minutes for his second goal. The 29-year-old has scored in each of his past nine games for Dortmund in all competitions.

ANDREAS HOUNTONDJI (St Pauli)

St Pauli forward Hountondji scored for the second straight week to help his side to a 2-0 victory over cross-town rivals Hamburg. The Burnley loanee troubled the Hamburg defence throughout with his speed and strength, eventually scoring Pauli's second on the hour mark. The Benin international latched on to a superb pass, rounded the goalkeeper and scored from a difficult angle.