The last two weeks of March were the scene of international matches, including decisive matches for the qualification for the World Cup, but also friendly matches. Once again, many Ligue 1 players stood out in the colors of their national team.
Karl Toko-Ekambi, savior of Cameroon
The suspense was at its height on Tuesday, March 30, for the return match between Algeria and Cameroon. The Lyonnais offered the victory (2-1), synonymous with qualification for the World Cup, after extra time in extra time, while Ahmed Touba seemed to have scored a decisive goal for the Fennecs in the 118th minute. Author of five goals in six games during CAN 2022, the striker confirms the new dimension taken with the Indomitable Lions. Arriving in Lyon in 2020, the 29-year-old could therefore play in his first World Cup. During the last World Cup played by Cameroon, in 2014, Toko-Ekambi was still playing National, under the colors of Paris FC.
Azzedine Ounahi, the Moroccan revelation
The Angevin could not have dreamed of better, Tuesday March 30, for his fourth selection under the Moroccan tunic. The native of Casablanca played a big part in the Atlas Lions’ victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo (4-1), opening the scoring in the 21st minute before repeating it in the second half. These are the first two achievements of the 20-year-old player in the national team, he who only discovered Ligue 1 at the start of the season in Angers, after a successful 2020-2021 season in National with Avranches. On his little cloud, Ounahi is part of a talented young generation which is beginning to gain momentum in the Moroccan selection.
About last night. pic.twitter.com/99V5s8byU1
— Angers SCO (@AngersSCO) March 30, 2022
Kylian Mbappé, reaction and action
The PSG star had caused a lot of ink to flow during the first week of the Blues rally, where he refused to participate in the sponsors’ day before those around him put forward his claims. Absent in the first match against Côte d’Ivoire due to an ENT infection, the striker was expected at the turn against South Africa. He finally responded in the best possible way by delivering a high level performance, concluded with two goals and an assist. Far from the grimness of PSG, Mbappé takes pleasure in blue.
Angel Di Maria finds colors far from Paris
In great difficulty at Paris Saint-Germain, the former Madrid player took advantage of the international break to find a second wind. Saturday March 26, against Venezuela, the winger scored a goal after tumbling down the right side, eliminating two players and lobbing the opposing goalkeeper. The native of Rosario also delivered an assist to Lionel Messi, also in a delicate situation with the capital club and who also took advantage of these matches in the Argentine selection to regain confidence.
¡Qué golazo, Angelito! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/xZq8hsWdc1
— Select Argentina (@Argentina) March 26, 2022
Lucas Paqueta, the essential
Brilliant with Lyon since the start of the season, the 24-year-old Brazilian is already part of the furniture of the Seleção with which he honored his 32nd cap on Wednesday March 30. In 77 minutes of play, the Lyonnais playmaker delivered an assist to his former teammate, Bruno Guimaraes, and scored his eighth goal under the Brazilian tunic. The Flamengo-trained midfielder is set to be one of Brazil’s key players at the 2022 World Cup.