
<p>The all-Italian tie between Milan and Napoli saw the hosts pick up the win in the first leg. Just 10 days after thrashing Napoli in Naples, 4-0, Milan again defeated the likely <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> champions. This time, it was in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> quarterfinals.</p>



<p>While the scoreboard shows a triumph for Napoli, the key was the defensive effort from Stefano Pioli’s side. Another shutout against one of the high-flying teams in Europe is an achievement on its own. </p>



<h5>Early chances in the first half</h5>



<p>It was Napoli on the road who put together the better of the two chances early on. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia&nbsp;had a golden opportunity inside the first minute. A quick attack from Napoli on the righthand side led to the ball falling at the Georgian’s feet inside the six-yard box. His shot, though, met two Milan defenders, who prevented the ball from hitting the back of the net.</p>



<p>Rafael Leao had a terrific opportunity after 25 minutes for Milan. The Portuguese picked the ball up inside his own half and dribbled beyond three Napoli defenders. In a quick two-on-one, Leao created the space and went for goal. However, he dragged the left-footed shot narrowly wide of the post, meeting collective moans bellowing in from around San Siro.</p>



<p>Milan would eventually grab the advantage with one of those rapid counterattacks. Brahim Diaz picked the ball up in the middle of the park and made a fantastic turn to escape two Napoli defenders. Diaz progressed with teammates on either side of him and in front. Diaz played the ball out to the right, only for Rafael Leao to put it back into the middle. It eventually fell to Ismaël&nbsp;Bennacer, who powered the ball past Alex Meret in the Napoli net. It was Bennacer’s first Champions League goal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ismaël Bennacer sends the San Siro into commotion!<br><br>A classic counter from Milan. 😤 <a href="https://t.co/1yAH5vjONu">pic.twitter.com/1yAH5vjONu</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1646237902085705729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>In first-half stoppage time, Milan almost doubled its advantage on a corner. Simon Kjær rattled the crossbar on a thunderous header from six yards out. However, the ball slammed off the woodwork and away, and Napoli was able to clear out the danger.</p>



<h2>Red card seals first leg between Napoli and Milan</h2>



<p>In the second half, Napoli looked likely to score. Kvaratskhelia had some marauding forays forward, but the best opportunity came on one of the Georgian’s crosses. He lobbed a ball up where Elif Elmas, the replacement for an injured Victor Osimhen, headed the ball on goal. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan deflected the ball onto the crossbar, and it went out for a corner.</p>



<p>Twenty-five minutes after the attempt, Napoli’s chances of a comeback in the game took a massive hit. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa picked up a yellow card in the 70th minute for a mistimed challenge. Just four minutes later, Anguissa committed <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1646252274279391232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another silly challenge</a>, good enough for a second yellow card and a dismissal.</p>



<p>To make matters worse, Napoli centerback Kim Min-jae picked up a yellow card. Based on accumulation, the South Korean misses the return leg at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in a week’s time.</p>



<p>Late on, Napoli had two fantastic opportunities to equalize, both from headers. The first required a reactionary save from Mike Maignan to deny Giovanni di Lorenzo. After the ensuing corner, di Lorenzo whipped a ball in, where Mathías Olivera nodded the ball just over the Milan net.</p>



<p>Milan must protect that lead on Tuesday, April 18, in Naples. At home in the Champions League, Napoli has been a force. The side has four wins in four games in this campaign, with a combined score of 14-3 over those four games.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">San Siro feels like a rock concert tonight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ACMilan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ACMilan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilanNapoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilanNapoli</a> <a href="https://t.co/3HJc7weCMR">pic.twitter.com/3HJc7weCMR</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1646243026551861248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>


Milan, which defeated Napoli in Serie A play just 10 days ago, found another win in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.

Milan defeat Napoli again, this time in UEFA Champions League

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>African soccer players now frequently become household names in soccer fans’ lives. For example, Mo Salah and Riyadh Mahrez recently earned recognition on the <a href="https:\/\/www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12428357/ballon-dor-shortlist-lionel-messi-robert-lewandowski-jorginho-and-ngolo-kante-among-30-nominees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist</a>. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/20/african-players-in-europe-100-goal-mane-punishes-palace-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sadio Mane</a> is one of England’s most prolific and talented attackers. Kalidou Koulibaly is one of Europe’s best center-backs with Napoli.</p>
<p>The one thing these players have in common is their international standing. All represent African nations outside of club play.</p>
<p>A flourishing African soccer population leads some wondering where more African superstars will consistently come from. Some point to Lagos, Nigeria or Dakar, Senegal. Both have rapid-growing populations as Africa becomes increasingly modernized.</p>
<p>Yet, it does not have to be these major cities. One of the world’s best keepers came from Nkol Ngok, Cameroon.</p>
<p>Obviously, Africa produces no shortage of on-field talent. Most soccer fans in the world can point out Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi, and Andre Onana. But, others, like Maduka Okoye, Silas and Krepin Diatta, are not as widely known.</p>
<p>Still, here are 12 different players who represent the next generation of elite soccer players from Africa. You will want to keep an eye on these fledgling careers over the next several years.</p>
<h3>Goalkeepers</h3>
<h5>André Onana – Ajax/Cameroon</h5>
<p>Birthdate: April 2, 1996</p>
<p>Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana occupies numerous rumors. The media links him to Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Arsenal, just to name a few possible locations. Remarkably, Onana’s doping ban sidelined the goalie for the last eight months. Even then, his stock in the eyes of suitors remains high. Such is the power of the potential in his goalie gloves.</p>
<p>The Nkol Ngok native started his career in the famous La Masia academy at FC Barcelona. He steadily climbed the youth levels until, suddenly, the Catalans moved on. The club flipped the Cameroonian to Ajax in Amsterdam for roughly <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/andre-onana/profil/spieler/234509" target="_blank" rel="noopener">150-thousand euros</a>.</p>
<p>Ajax received a 20-year-old star in the making. Now, after six years, Onana is one of the best keepers in the world. Undoubtedly, the doping ban slowed his meteoric rise. Even then, he remains a highly coveted talent among Europe’s wealthiest teams.</p>
<p>Essentially, his talent creates limitless opportunities, depending on his standing in terms of doping. Look for Onana to lead the ever-growing scene of African goalkeepers.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1129826521&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="The Cult Of Watching Soccer" href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/the-cult-of-watching-soccer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Cult Of Watching Soccer</a></div>
<h5>Maduka Okoye – Sparta Rotterdam/Nigeria</h5>
<p>Birthdate: August 28, 1999</p>
<p>Recently, Maduka Okoye lacks the form to make him a future great. However, Okoye remains a promising and talented goalkeeper drawing interest from Dutch giants Ajax. Perhaps the Nigeria native could be the replacement once Onana moves to a major European contender.</p>
<p>The Sparta Rotterdam stopper has potential to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the world. He just requires steady and consistent improvement.</p>
<p>So far, so good. From Leverkusen’s youth academies to Dusseldorf’s reserve team, Okoye now has eyes set on one of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs. Surely, Okoye’s trend goes upwards.</p>
<p>Okoye is a solid goalie. Yet, if you flipped on the news right now, you would not think that. Okoye conceded four times in a league game against Cambuur.</p>
<p>It’s just one game, but in a short-term outlook, there is a brief trend. Leading into the international break, Sparta Rotterdam is on a <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/team/results/_/id/151/ned.sparta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five-game run</a> without a win.</p>
<p>Okoye is just 22, and he needs to tap into his potential. If that happens, you could see him starring in one of Europe’s best teams.</p>
<h3>Defenders</h3>
<h5>Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint Germain/Morocco</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-348668 alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211011_WST_347910_Achraf-Hakimi.webp&amp;width=239&amp;height=423" alt="Achraf Hakimi" width="239" height="423" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Achraf-Hakimi.jpg 239w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Achraf-Hakimi-150x265.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px"></figure></div>
<p>Birthdate: November 4, 1998</p>
<p>Of all the African soccer players with potential, this player is perhaps the most accomplished.</p>
<p>Turning just 23 in 2021, Achraf Hakimi is already one of the best defenders in the world. The Morrocan right-back started his career in La Castilla at Real Madrid, making nine appearances for the first team. Then, a loan move to Borussia Dortmund kickstarted his young career. Later, he helped Inter Milan to a Scudetto for one season. Now, he starts as the right back for the Champions League front-runners, Paris Saint Germain.</p>
<p>Hakimi already lays claim to part of the best-defender-in-the-world conversation. Remember, he is only 22. Considering that, it is remarkable how significant he is to PSG’s success going forward. The Madrid native represents Morocco internationally, and could easily become a legend based on his current career growth.</p>
<h5>Edmond Tapsoba – Bayer Lervkusen/Burkina Faso</h5>
<p>Birthdate: February 2, 1999</p>
<p>Edmond Tapsoba draws in less acclaim than his competitors. Regardless, he is still an elite defender.</p>
<p>One of the best Burkinese players, he and his Leverkusen squad have yet to unlock their full potential. Going into the international break, we see some of that potential showing through. Currently, Bayer Leverkusen sits at <a href="https:\/\/www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/table" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second in the table</a> based off goal differential alone.</p>
<p>Tapsoba started out showcasing his talent in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. From there, he joined Leverkusen, and the rest is history.</p>
<p>His 16 caps should increase as his future becomes brighter. But, Tapsoba won’t be in action soon because of a torn ligament.</p>
<p>Remember the name Edmond Tapsoba. It is only a matter of time before the 22-year-old is one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-348669 alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211011_WST_347910_Noussair_Mazraoui-300x465.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=465" alt="" width="300" height="465" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Noussair_Mazraoui-300x465.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Noussair_Mazraoui-150x233.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Noussair_Mazraoui.jpg 340w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>Noussair Mazraoui – Ajax/Morocco</h5>
<p>Birthdate: November 14, 1997</p>
<p>On the topic of Moroccan right backs, Noussair Mazraoui also holds seemingly endless potential. At one of soccer’s best youth development centers in Ajax, Mazraoui should be able to grow.</p>
<p>The Moroccan could become more flashy and consistent, even if his aforementioned compatriot is one of the world’s best at the position. Also, he can play in midfield roles to go with his right-back position.</p>
<p>If Mazraoui feels a change of scenery is necessary, his talent could please a number of top-tier clubs. Barcelona has interest in the Moroccan. Similarly, Arsenal and Bayern Munich keep tabs on the Moroccan. Despite Mazraoui flying under the radar, his name could pop up more as time flies by.</p>
<h3>Midfielders</h3>
<h5>Ismael Bennacer – Inter Milan/Algeria</h5>
<p>Birthdate: December 1, 1997</p>
<p>Algerian defensive midfielder Ismael Bennacer is one of the best African soccer players in the world.</p>
<p>Bennacer’s journey started at French club AC Arles. Soon after that he joined Arsenal. Perhaps the Gunners were too early in their acquisition of the Algerian. He left for various French clubs temporarily, and eventually left permanently for Empoli FC.</p>
<p>Throughout his travels Bennacer showed considerable promise. Therefore, AC Milan paid Empoli 16 million euros for his services.</p>
<p>He flourished at the San Siro, forming a consistent starting role for the <a href="https:\/\/www.statista.com/statistics/378046/champions-league-titles-by-club/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seven-time Champions League winners</a>.</p>
<p>Now, Bennacer evolved into a versatile central midfielder. The latest in a long line of Algerian world-class soccer players, Bennacer’s future will be very exciting to watch. Also, it doesn’t hurt when playing for a team with as much international presence as AC Milan.</p>
<h5>Wilfred Ndidi – Leicester City/Nigeria</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-348670 alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211011_WST_347910_Wilfred-Ndidi-300x356.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=356" alt="Wilfred Ndidi" width="300" height="356" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Wilfred-Ndidi-300x356.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Wilfred-Ndidi-600x712.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Wilfred-Ndidi-150x178.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Wilfred-Ndidi-768x912.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Wilfred-Ndidi.jpg 790w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Birthdate: December 16, 1996</p>
<p>A Super Eagles stud and a Leicester City star, Wilfred Ndidi is already one of the Premier League’s best.</p>
<p>Ndidi left Nigeria to play for Belgian club KRC Genk. After just two seasons in Belgium, Leicester paid <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/wilfred-ndidi/transfers/spieler/274839" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$20 million</a> for the midfielder. Ndidi came over to fill the shoes of the irreplaceable N’Golo Kanté. While not quite on the level of his predecessor, Ndidi is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.</p>
<p>After making himself into one of the Premier League’s most significant players, many question the Nigerian’s next steps. Some link him to Tottenham and Manchester United. Undoubtedly, any team would like to roster the midfielder.</p>
<h5>Silas Katompa Mvumpa – VfB Stuttgart/DR Congo</h5>
<p>Birthdate: October 6, 1998</p>
<p>A false identity issue banned Congolese midfielder Silas Katompa Mvumpa was banned for a brief session.</p>
<p>Known as Silas, the right midfielder will miss even more time with a cruciate ligament rupture. But, as he’s expected to return in November, he’ll be able to feature for a struggling Stuttgart squad.</p>
<p>Silas, a Kinshasa native, started his European career with Paris FC. Soon after, VfB Stuttgart acquired the Congolese. He bounced from the first division to the second division of the German pyramid Also, he missed over 250 days with his cruciate ligament rupture. Stuttgart expect him to make an impact upon his return.</p>
<p>Silas is dynamic, quick on the ball, and a genuine goal-scoring threat. The question mark remains the injury bug. If he can manage to stay healthy, there is not much stopping his rise to stardom.</p>
<p>He could be the face of Stuttgart if he can make an immediate impact upon his return.</p>
<h3>Attackers</h3>
<h5>Victor Osimhen – Napoli/Nigeria</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-348671 alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211011_WST_347910_Osimhen-300x569.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=569" alt="Victor Osimhen" width="300" height="569" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Osimhen-300x569.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Osimhen-474x900.jpg 474w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Osimhen-150x285.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Osimhen-768x1458.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Osimhen-809x1536.jpg 809w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Osimhen.jpg 1052w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Birthdate: December 28, 1998</p>
<p>One of the best attackers in Serie A, Europe, and the world, Napoli and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is out to prove himself after a middling 20/21 season. This African soccer player started his career with Wolfsburg. A transfer to Belgian side RSC Charleroi allowed him to grow. LOSC Lille served as his next home. Then, in the summer of 2019, he joined SSC Napoli.</p>
<p>In his <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/victor-osimhen/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/401923" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first season</a> with the Italian club, Osimhen bagged ten and assisted four in 30 games. Not a great tally, especially compared to his time at Lille. Fortunately for the Nigerian, he looks to be on form this season.</p>
<p>Through eight games in all competitions, Osimhen scored seven times and assisted once. His current pace may not be maintained for the entirety of the season. Regardless, the current tally surely puts him as one of the best attackers in Serie A this season.</p>
<p>Teams facing Napoli face the task of containing this quick and powerful striker.</p>
<h5>Youssef En-Nesyri – Sevilla/Morocco</h5>
<p>Birthdate: June 1, 1997</p>
<p>En-Nesyri, one of Sevilla’s best attackers, is also an elite playmaker for Morocco. A 24-year-old striker with tons of potential, En-Nesyri started his career at Mohammed VI Football Academy.&nbsp; Málaga then snagged the forward for around 125-thousand euros.</p>
<p>En-Nesyri climbed his way up through the youth academies before leaving for Leganes. Leganes flipped En-Nesyri to Sevilla, where the player currently resides.</p>
<p>At the ripe age of 24, it’s amazing that he holds 35 caps while scoring 11 goals. En-Nesyri can only get better as he ages.</p>
<h5>Krepin Diatta – Monaco/Senegal</h5>
<p>Birthdate: February 25, 1999</p>
<p>Diatta, an explosive right-winger with tons of potential, is part of Senegal’s talent pool. Diatta started his career with Oslo FA Dakar before joining Sarpsborg 08. After one year, he left for Belgian giants Club Brugge. Now, in the winter transfer window, Diatta joined Monaco for around 16.7 million euros.</p>
<p>So far in the season, Diatta scored one goal in nine games. Although it isn’t the most ideal start, it shows that the Senegalese winger is ready to try and produce. Diatta is a threat to Ligue 1, but we’ll have to wait and see how well he turns his chances into goals.</p>
<h3>African Soccer Players in Europe</h3>
<p>It is no secret that the best players in the world go to Europe to grow their careers. African soccer players are no different. A handful of players could start on any team right now, which is an accolade held by a select few.</p>
<p>The aforementioned players set themselves up for a career path to compete on the world’s stage. In time, there is a chance that the African continent could become a Mecca for soccer player development.</p>


Great generations of soccer players come and go. Now, African soccer players set themselves up to dominate and compete on the biggest stages in Europe.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Ismael Bennacer"

AC Milan

Milan defeat Napoli again, this time in UEFA Champions League

Africa

African soccer players sitting on the verge of greatness