Ayew brothers on target for Marseille
Brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew from Ghana scored in a 3-2 comeback win for Marseille over title-holders Montpellier in the French Ligue 1 at the weekend.
Jordan was overlooked by Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and then-injured Andre lost his squad place after failing to meet the deadline for arriving at a pre-tournament camp in Abu Dhabi.
The Black Stars could have done with the Ayew brothers at the weekend as they surrendered a two-goal lead against outsiders Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B and finished the game hanging on for a draw.
ENGLAND
PETER ODEMWINGIE (West Bromwich Albion)
The Nigeria forward secured a 2-2 draw in a derby with Aston Villa when he scored seven minutes from time at The Hawthorns and so ended a run of three straight defeats for the Midlands club. Having earlier shot over the bar, he made amends when he volleyed home Gareth McAuley's knock-down.
DEMBA BA (Chelsea)
Came on in the second half of the Blues' hard-fought 2-1 win over London rivals Arsenal at a snowy Stamford Bridge and the Senegal striker could have sealed victory after rounding Gunners keeper Wojciech Szczesny only to see his shot cleared off the line.
PAPISS CISSE (Newcastle)
The Senegal striker endured a frustrating match as Newcastle suffered a shock 2-1 home loss to relegation-threatened Reading. He pressed hard for a goal but was denied by the Royals' Australian keeper Adam Federici.
FRANCE
ANDRE AYEW (Marseille)
The Ghana forward played an instrumental role as he provided a goal and an assist in the title challengers' 3-2 win over defending champions Montpellier. He headed in Joey Barton's cross on 14 minutes to give Marseille the lead before teeing up his brother, Jordan, 11 minutes from time to level the scores.
JORDAN AYEW (Marseille)
The younger Ayew brother netted his sixth goal of the season to help Elie Baup's side recover from a 2-1 deficit in their victory over Montpellier. The Ghanaian prodded home brother Andre's cross on 79 minutes to make it 2-2 before his side grabbed an injury-time winner.
JOHN UTAKA (Montpellier)
The Nigerian international was involved in both of Montpellier's goals. The 31-year-old played a defence-splitting pass to set up Emanuel Herrera for his side's first goal after 17 minutes before controlling Remy Cabella's cross to slot home Montpellier's second 11 minutes after halftime.
GERMANY
MAME DIOUF (Hanover 96)
The Senegal striker scored with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 92nd minute of Hanover's thrilling 5-4 defeat at Schalke 04 when he met defender Mario Eggiman's pass and fired home his seventh goal in 14 league games.
ITALY
KEVIN PRINCE BOATENG (AC Milan)
Apart from an otherwise mediocre performance in a 2-1 win over Bologna, former Ghana midfielder Boateng played a direct role in the Rossoneri's second goal by providing the cross for Giampaolo Pazzini to score his second of the match.
KEVIN CONSTANT (AC Milan)
Constant continues to impress with his strong forward movement, which saw the Guinean complete 35 of the 40 passes he made in Milan's 2-1 win over Bologna, as well as his commitment to running back and helping out with defensive duties when needed. He has become a real plus for Milan as they continue their fightback from a disastrous start to the season.
SPAIN
LASS BANGOURA (Rayo Vallecano)
The Guinean winger played as a centre-forward in the 2-0 away loss to Granada due to an injury to Leo Baptistao and while he showed plenty of movement and chased balls from midfield, he struggled to lead the line and hold up play.
PAPE DIAKHATE (Granada)
Diakhate kept his place at centre-back alongside Diego Mainz and helped Granada keep a clean sheet in the win over Vallecano. The Senegalese returned from a serious ankle injury, which forced him out for over six months, and has worked hard with the aim of winning a first-team place.
PAPE DIOP (Levante)
Diop disappointed against Atletico Madrid in a 2-0 defeat. The Senegalese has played a key role in Levante's strong first half to the season with his ability to break up play in the middle of the pitch, but he saw little of the ball against Atletico.
