Game Changers of the Week

It’s another week of the Game Changers of the Week series, spotlighting African players making an impact in Europe’s major leagues. From dramatic comebacks to statement victories, we’ve got you covered on the continent’s finest.

Beto (Guinea-Bissau) – Everton 3-0 Chelsea

The Guinea-Bissau striker announced himself with a stunning hat-trick of goal involvements, becoming the first Everton player to score multiple goals in a Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. His opener arrived in the 33rd minute when he latched onto James Garner’s measured through ball, executing a delicate chip over the advancing Sánchez with the outside of his boot. Early in the second period, he doubled both his tally and Everton’s advantage, capitalising on Gueye’s interception and surging run to fire a powerful effort that squirmed beneath the Chelsea goalkeeper. Beto also turned provider for Ndiaye’s spectacular third, flicking on Pickford’s clearance. The performance marked his first three-goal involvement match since netting a hat-trick for Udinese against Cagliari in April 2022. With five goals in 2026 after enduring a 16-match scoreless streak to close 2025, Beto has emerged as Everton’s most prolific scorer this calendar year.

Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria) – Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Hamburger SV

Introduced at halftime with Dortmund facing a two-goal deficit, the Algerian defender produced one of the season’s most remarkable individual performances. Bensebaini stepped up to convert two crucial penalties in the 73rd and 84th minutes, orchestrating an extraordinary comeback after Felix Nmecha had squandered his spot-kick opportunity just before the break. His first conversion reignited Dortmund’s hopes before Serhou Guirassy drew the hosts level. The defender then completed the turnaround with his second penalty six minutes from time, claiming his third and fourth goals of the campaign while demonstrating composure under immense pressure when his team needed him most.

Idrissa Gueye (Senegal) – Everton 3-0 Chelsea

The veteran Senegalese midfielder orchestrated Everton’s dominance from the centre of the park, providing the crucial assist for Beto’s second goal just after the hour mark. Gueye intercepted possession and surged forward before releasing Beto, whose powerful strike proved too much for Robert Sánchez to handle. Beyond his creative contribution, the 35-year-old dominated defensively with three tackles, five interceptions, and seven recoveries while winning every duel he contested. His most memorable moment came during Everton’s third goal celebration, when he joined Iliman Ndiaye in a powerful statement to CAF, holding up two fingers toward the camera to remind the world that Senegal have won two African titles, regardless of recent controversies.

Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) – Everton 3-0 Chelsea

Ndiaye delivered the finishing touch to Everton’s commanding performance with a moment of individual brilliance in the 76th minute. Latching onto Beto’s flick from Jordan Pickford’s goal-kick, the forward cut inside Moisés Caicedo before curling a sublime effort into the top corner beyond Sánchez’s reach. The strike marked his sixth Premier League goal of the season, adding to his three assists in what’s becoming an increasingly impressive campaign. His post-goal celebration alongside Gueye sent a defiant message to CAF’s controversial decision-making, with the gesture resonating throughout the Senegalese football community. Former Everton scout Bryan King has praised him as the club’s standout performer, suggesting Chelsea would be fortunate to have someone of his quality.