Ghana defender, Mohammed Salisu
Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu featured as a second-half substitute for AS Monaco in a dramatic UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica on November 27, 2024.
The thrilling encounter ended in a 3-2 victory for the Portuguese side, leaving Monaco with work to do in their quest for European success.
The game kicked off with high intensity. Monaco found the opener in the 13th minute through a well-taken strike by Eliesse Ben Seghir, assisted by Aleksandr Golovin. Despite multiple chances created by both teams, the first half ended with Monaco holding a slim 1-0 advantage.
Early in the second half, Benfica equalised through Vangelis Pavlidis to restore parity before a strike from Maghnes Akliouche restored the lead for the hosts.
However, their momentum was disrupted when defender Wilfried Singo received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Monaco with ten men.
In response to the numerical disadvantage, head coach Adi Hütter introduced Mohammed Salisu in the 63rd minute to bolster Monaco’s defence.
Despite their defensive adjustments, Benfica capitalised on their advantage. Arthur Cabral equalised for the visitors in the 84th minute, assisted by the ever-impressive Ángel Fabián Di María. Four minutes later, Zeki Amdouni completed Benfica’s comeback, sealing the win with a well-executed goal.
Although Salisu was brought on to shore up Monaco’s defence, Benfica’s relentless attack proved too strong. Salisu’s composed presence helped stabilise his side momentarily, but the defensive lapses in the closing stages allowed Benfica to claim all three points.
The defeat is a setback for AS Monaco, but there is little time to dwell on the result. Mohammed Salisu and his teammates will aim to bounce back this weekend when they face Olympique Marseille in a crucial Ligue 1 clash.