Nicolas Jackson double highlights African impact in Champions League second round

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as African players made a significant contribution to the second round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, played on 13 and 14 October 2026.

The Senegal international struck twice in Aston Villa’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce on Wednesday, helping his side establish a commanding lead before half-time.

Jackson opened his account in the 31st minute after being set up by Boubacar Kamara. He then found the net again eight minutes later to complete his brace and put Aston Villa firmly in control.

His Senegal team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye also played a part in the result. Starting on the left, the young winger supplied the assist for Ross Barkley’s goal in the 72nd minute, Aston Villa’s fifth of the night. Mbaye was subsequently withdrawn, but his performance added to an especially productive evening for the two Senegal internationals.

The previous day, Algeria forward Anis Hadj Moussa claimed his first UEFA Champions League goal for Feyenoord against Como. After beating several defenders, he produced a composed finish to score his side’s second goal.

Feyenoord went on to win the match 3-2, while Hadj Moussa’s goal represented an important milestone in the Algerian winger’s European career.

Assane Diao was also on target for Como, opening the scoring against Feyenoord. However, the Senegalese forward was forced to leave the field in the 23rd minute, only moments after finding the net. Como eventually lost 3-2.

Another Senegal international, Iliman Ndiaye, contributed an assist during Manchester City’s 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. Ndiaye came on in the second half and set up Erling Haaland as Manchester City reduced the deficit, although his involvement could not prevent defeat for the English side.

The second round therefore produced a mixture of individual highlights and contrasting team results for African players. Jackson and Mbaye were part of Aston Villa’s dominant win, while Hadj Moussa scored in Feyenoord’s victory. Diao found the net despite Como’s loss, and Ndiaye registered an assist in Manchester City’s unsuccessful fightback.