Mohamed Salah, African Ballon d’Or 2026 nominee Pape Gueye and Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki are among the standout performers in the latest team of the weekend featuring Africans in Europe.

The selection, based on ratings provided by partner Sportmonks, comes before the international break, which will include the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Morocco, Cape Verde and Senegal lead the representation, with two players from each country included.

Sofiane Diop gave OGC Nice an early advantage in their 2-0 win over Angers, scoring after just two minutes. The Morocco attacking midfielder also created three chances for his team-mates.

Morocco centre-back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal was selected despite Rennes’ 2-1 defeat by Lille. He was partly at fault for the opening goal but responded positively, providing the assist for Boulaye Dia’s goal and creating four key passes.

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye helped Villarreal beat Getafe 2-0 by winning possession eight times and creating three chances. Gueye is also among the 10 nominees for the African Ballon d’Or 2026.

His international team-mate Nicolas Jackson had a direct involvement in two goals during Aston Villa’s 4-4 draw with Manchester United. The forward scored once and supplied an assist in the high-scoring match.

Salah was also on the scoresheet as Trabzonspor won 2-0 away to Alanyaspor. The Egypt winger scored his side’s second goal in the 34th minute and contributed three key passes.

Ramiz Zerrouki, who was again left out of Brahim Hemdani’s latest Algeria squad, earned his place after FC Twente drew 2-2 with Ajax Amsterdam. The midfielder recovered possession six times as his side secured an equaliser in added time.

Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hillel Konate made six saves and recovered 10 balls for Troyes in their 1-0 defeat by PSG. His performance was enough to earn him the place in goal.

Angola left-back Pedro Bondo recorded six tackles as Famalicao beat Arouca 1-0 in Portugal.

Villarreal’s 2-0 victory over Getafe also brought recognition for Cape Verde defender Logan Costa, who made nine clearances and completed 92% of his passes.

Another Cape Verde international, right-back Wagner Pina, scored in Trabzonspor’s win at Alanyaspor and completes the defensive line.

The final place goes to Gambia forward Ali Sowe, whose two goals gave Rizespor a 2-1 victory over Erzurumspor.