UCL: Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu endures defeat with Monaco to Benfica
MONACO, MONACO – AUGUST 17: Mohammed Salisu Abdul Karim of AS Monaco in action during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and AS Saint-Etienne at Stade Louis II on August 17, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Allstar/Getty Images)Ghana defender, Mohammed Salisu featured as a second-half substitute for AS Monaco in a dramatic UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica on Wednesday night. 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, and 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 later 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 Htter introduced Mohammed Salisu in the 63rd minute to bolster Monacos defense.Despite their defensive adjustments, Benfica capitalised on their advantage. Arthur Cabral equalized for the visitors in the 84th minute, assisted by the ever-impressive ngel Di Mara. Four minutes later, Zeki Amdouni completed Benficas comeback, sealing the win with a well-executed goal.Although Salisu was brought on to shore up Monacos defense, Benficas relentless attack proved too strong. Salisus composed presence helped stabilize 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.
