Ceesay marks injury return with fourth straight league goal, while Darboe scores maiden Estonian goal and Barry delivers back-to-back assists
Gambian footballers once again made their mark across Europe and beyond over the weekend, with Alieu Cham and Yusupha Njie finding the net for the second consecutive league match, while Abdoulie Ceesay, Dawda Darboe and Nfansu Njie also joined the goalscoring list.
In Estonia, Dawda Darboe opened his account with Paide, scoring his first goal in the country, while Hungary-based Nfansu Njie registered his second league goal of the campaign.
There was also another impressive display from Abubakr Barry, who recorded his second consecutive league assist for RB Salzburg.
From England to Saudi Arabia, Gambians were involved in important moments throughout the weekend.
England
Ebou Adams was introduced at the start of the second half as Portsmouth suffered a 2-1 away defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Adams replaced Shein in the 46th minute, but Portsmouth could not find a way back into the match.
Lamin Sillah made his debut for Gillingham, coming on late in their 1-1 draw against Northampton.
Italy
Alieu Fadera made his debut at the Unipol Domus Stadium after coming on in the 57th minute.
Fadera replaced Fazzini and came close to marking his debut with a goal, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Meanwhile, Sulayman Jallow was named on Fiorentina’s bench for their home match against Frosinone. The Primavera winger did not feature as Fiorentina suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Germany
Abdoulie Ceesay made an instant impact on his return from injury, scoring just one minute after coming on for St Pauli against Kaiserslautern.
St Pauli went down 2-1 at home, but Ceesay gave the hosts hope when he headed home Haras’ cross in the 56th minute.
The goal was particularly significant for the Gambian forward, who has now scored in four consecutive St Pauli league matches.
Portugal
Yaya Bojang played the full 90 minutes as Alverca earned their second point of the season following a 1-1 draw against Santa Clara.
Alasana Jatta made his second consecutive start for Casa Pia as they continued their search for their first point of the campaign.
Jatta played 78 minutes and came agonisingly close to scoring after the break, only for his effort to strike the woodwork.
Belgium
Following his brace on matchday three, Salieu Drammeh was rewarded with another start and played 61 minutes in his side’s 2-1 away victory against OH Leuven.
Adama Bojang came off the bench in the 86th minute and quickly made an impact, providing the assist for Colassin’s third goal as Charleroi strengthened their position at the summit.
The Zebras now sit four points clear at the top of the Belgian Pro League after four matchdays.
Turkey
Ali Sowe played 89 minutes and got on the scoresheet in Rizespor’s impressive 3-1 away victory against Gaziantep.
A long ball from Mocsi was worked towards the right before Bulut delivered the cross. Sowe positioned himself perfectly to meet it and doubled Rizespor’s advantage in the 35th minute.
Saikouba Jarju played 89 minutes for Samsunspor in their 2-0 home defeat against Fenerbahce. Jarju came close to reducing the deficit but sent his effort wide.
For Istanbulspor, Alieu Cham continued his impressive start to the campaign.
Cham scored his second league goal of the season in the seventh minute, heading the ball just inside the left post to give Istanbulspor the lead.
The Gambian forward remained a threat throughout the match, registering another effort that went wide before coming close to restoring Istanbulspor’s advantage in the 56th minute. His shot, however, was saved by the goalkeeper.
Elvin Mendy also started and operated in midfield, while Essap Njie was introduced in the second half as Istanbulspor and Fatih Karagumruk shared the points.
Serbia
Mahmud Bajo started for Crvena Zvezda in their 2-0 away victory and operated in defensive midfield.
The 22-year-old produced an energetic display, registering three shots on target, with two saved by the goalkeeper.
Bajo also created two promising opportunities that were saved, while his defensive contribution included an important block to deny a goalscoring opportunity.
Austria
Abubakr Barry continues to impress for RB Salzburg, registering his second consecutive league assist in their 4-1 victory against former club Austria Wien.
The Gambian midfielder delivered another commanding performance, completing 107 passes and recording 129 touches in 90 minutes.
Barry also registered 63 passes into the opposition box, four recoveries, three tackles, six defensive contributions, nine duels, 42 carries and two successful dribbles.
His latest assist further underlines his growing influence in Salzburg’s midfield.
Hungary
Nfansu Njie scored his second league goal of the season, finding the net with a header in the seventh minute. His side were unable to hold on to the advantage, however, as the match ended 1-1.
Latvia
RFS extended their lead at the top of the table to five points after a 3-0 victory against Ogre.Modou Saidy started the match and played 60 minutes.
Slovakia
Slovan suffered a 2-1 home defeat. Suleiman Camara started the match, while Alasana Yiranjang was introduced from the bench in the second half.
Estonia
Dawda Darboe opened his goalscoring account in Estonia as Paide came from behind to defeat Flora 2-1.
The Gambian striker scored the equaliser after being set up by fellow Gambian Pa Modou Sohna, before Paide went on to complete the comeback.
Darboe was introduced in the 83rd minute and needed just two minutes to make his mark, scoring his first goal for Paide and his first in Estonia.
Two Gambians — goalkeeper Gk Jaju and Momodou Jobarteh started the match, while Pa Modou Sohna, Darboe and Abdourahman Badamoesi were introduced in the second half.
Jobarteh was particularly dangerous early on, producing three crosses in the opening 30 minutes and registering a shot on target.
Badamoesi also came close after being set up by Sohna, but his effort went narrowly wide. Sohna was also involved in the build-up to Miller’s winning goal.
The victory lifted Paide into fourth position, level on points with Flora but ahead on goal difference.
Saudi Arabia
Musa Barrow came close to opening his league account but was denied from the penalty spot by Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Barrow’s effort towards the left was saved with Bono’s feet as Al Hilal produced a dominant display to secure a 5-1 victory.
Qatar
Yusupha Njie continued his fine goalscoring form as Al Markhiya moved two points clear at the top following a 3-0 away victory against Al Gharafa II.
Njie struck in the 34th minute after Cola’s initial effort was blocked by the last defender. The Gambian reacted quickest to lash the loose ball into the net.
Cola later attempted to find Njie on the left, but the cross intended for the Gambian was turned into the net by a defender.
It was another productive outing for Njie, who has now scored in back-to-back league matches.
