Europa: Hassan Opens Account, Rooney Struggles, Simon’s Gent Held

By Rilwan Musa Gawu -


Nigerian midfielder Rilwan Hassan scored his first-ever UEFA Europa League goal for FC Midtjylland who lost 3-2 to Polish side Arka Gdynia in Thursday’s third qualifying round first leg clash.
Hassan scored in the 33rd minute, two minutes after Marcus Vinicius had shot hosts Arka Gdynia into the lead.
Marc Dal Hende gave the former Danish champions the lead on 36 minutes but Vinicius drew the hosts level from the spot. Rafal Siemaszko sealed the win in stoppage time.
It was Hassan’s 14th appearance in the competition and he has provided two assists.
His compatriot, Paul Onuachu was on for 90 minutes before he was replaced by Alexander Soerloth.
In Sweden, Alhaji Gero was on for 45 minutes as Oestersunds FK beat CS Fola Esch from Luxembourg 1-0.
At the Stade Velodrome, Joseph Akpala was replaced after 64 minutes for Richairo Zivkovic in Oostende’s 4-2 away loss to Olympique Marseille. A hat-trick from Valere Germain and another strike from Morgan Sanson cancelled goals from Sebastien Siani and Knowledge Musona.
Ezekiel Henty made his UEFA Europa League debut coming on as a 78th minute entrant for Marko Scepovic in Videoton FC’s 2-1 loss to Bordeaux.

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