Ghana youth striker Patrick Twumasi sets Uefa Champions League record

Published on: 26 November 2015
Ghana youth striker Patrick Twumasi sets Uefa Champions League record
Patrick Twumasi has become the first Astana player to score

Ghana youth international striker Patrick Twumasi has gone down in the history books as the first Astana player to score in the group stages of the Uefa Champions League. 

The 21-year-old former Ghana U20 striker returned from a six-game ban to fire the Kazakhstan Premier League title-winners upfront when he scored the opening goal in the 19th minute.

Twumasi, a former Sogakope Red Bulls Academy graduate, became the first ever Astana player to register in the group stage when he gave the hosts a 19th-minute lead.

Though Astana scored two goals in their game against Galatasaray in September both goals were own-goals conceded Galatasaray.

And, Twumasi's brilliant finish on Wednesday night became their first ever goal in the group stage of the competition. The striker had thus gone into the record books at the club and Uefa.

He met Junior Kabananga's whipped cross from the left at the back post before nodding past Júlio César. A great start for the home side who require a victory to stay in contention.

He was suspended by FIFA for six games following an offence he committed while in action against Finnish side HJK Helsinki during the preliminary round of the competition.

Patrick Twumasi walks off the pitch after impressive debut
Patrick Twumasi walks off the pitch after impressive debut
But the Portuguese outfit fought strongly to stay in the game for the second-half as the tie ended in a stalemate.

Astana have been axed from the competition but also failed to secure a spot for the Europa League. This means Twumasi's season has ended as the Kazakhstan Premier League has also ended.

Twumasi joined Astana from Russian Premier League side Amkar Perm' two seasons ago and won the top scorer award in the league last season.

By El Akyereko Frimpong

Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

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