Fit-again Ghana defender Alexander Djiku watches from the bench as Fenerbahce beat Royal Union SG 2-1

Ghanaian international Alexander Djiku was on the sidelines on Thursday night, cheering his Fenerbahce SK teammates to a 2-1 victory over Royal Union SG in the Europa League. Although the Black Stars defender was named in the matchday squad, he did not make the starting lineup.Despite several second-half substitutions by Fenerbahce’s manager, Djiku remained on the bench throughout the game. His side secured a hard-fought win in a match that saw two red cards and plenty of drama.Djiku’s absence from the pitch comes after his recent recovery from an injury that had kept him out of the Black Stars’ last two matches.The defender is expected to be fully fit for Ghanas national team duty in October, as the Black Stars prepare for a crucial doubleheader against Sudan in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).In the match against Royal Union SG, Fenerbahce managed to equalize through a well-taken goal by defender alar Sync. Later, an own goal by Royal Union’s Christian Burgess sealed the win for the Turkish side despite a late goal by Ross Sykes for the Belgian visitors.While Djiku did not feature in this match, his return to full fitness comes at a critical time for both club and country. Fans will be hoping to see him back in action soon, especially with important fixtures on the horizon for Fenerbahce and the Black Stars.