Semi Ajayi, Nobel Mendy Score as Hull City Shock Manchester United 2-0 in Premier League Opener

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi and Senegalese centre-back Nobel Mendy turned goal-scorers as promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in their Premier League opening fixture.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting fastest after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens could only parry Oli McBurnie’s effort following a poorly defended corner. The finish gave Hull their first Premier League goal in nine years.

Hull doubled their advantage when Mendy rose highest to meet Regan Slater’s accurate free-kick. His header flew beyond Lammens and sent the home supporters into celebration at the MKM Stadium.

The result marked a memorable return to the Premier League for Hull, with both African defenders making a major impact despite their primary role being to protect their own goal.

Elsewhere in England, Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke made an immediate impact from the bench for Sevilla in Spain. Introduced for the second half against Athletic Bilbao, Ejuke needed only five minutes to extend Sevilla’s lead when he raced through and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Unai Simón. Sevilla eventually secured a 3-1 victory.

In Italy, Udinese’s France-born Ivory Coast international Hassane Kamara also found the net against Como. He beat the defence for pace before chipping goalkeeper Jean Butez with his left foot, although Como equalised early in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw.

France produced another strong African performance as Algeria striker Amine Gouiri scored twice in Marseille’s 4-0 victory over Strasbourg. Gouiri struck shortly after half-time before converting a second-half penalty, while Senegal’s Dame Gueye and Central African Republic international Louis Mafouta both scored for promoted Le Mans in a 2-2 draw with Brest.