Champions League: Kofane scores on UEFA debut but Saibari and PSV have the last laugh

Rising Cameroonian striker Christian Kofane scored on his UEFA Champions League debut for Bayer Leverkusen but Morocco’s Ismael Saibari leveled the match to save a point for visiting PSV in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw.

It appeared that Kofane’s Champions League debut would end with a match-winning goal but a quick response from the visitors gave the Dutch giants their first point from two games in the league phase. Saibari collected a pass from Guus Til in the 72nd minute and took an excellent first touch before finishing for his third goal in all competitions this season.

The 19-year-old was given only his second start for Leverkusen since joining from Spanish second tier side Albacete. The 19-year-old pounced on a moment of indecision from the PSV defense to recover the ball and finish low past goalkeeper Matej Kovar, giving hosts Leverkusen the lead in the 65th minute.

It was Kofane’s second goal with the German club after previously coming on as a substitute to score in a DFB Pokal match earlier this season.

The promising 19-year-old talent is doing well to earn playing time and show positive signs considering it is only his second season in European club football. Kofane scored 8 goals in 20 matches last season with Albacete in LaLiga2 before Leverkusen spent over €5 million to bring him in ahead of the ongoing season.

But Leverkusen were forced to settle for a draw after Saibari answered for the visitors seven minutes later. It is PSV’s first point of the league phase after a disappointing home defeat to Belgium’s Union Royale Saint-Gilloise in their opener. After enjoying a breakout season during the 2024-25 campaign, Saibari continues to impress for both club and country as Morocco prepares to host the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.

Leverkusen next face Union Berlin at home on Saturday in Bundesliga action while PSV travel to face Zwolle in their next Eredivisie fixture. PSV will next host Napoli in the Champions League on October 21 and Leverkusen will host reigning European club champions PSG on the same day.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.