AFCON champion Gana Gueye sets up equalizer as Everton fight back to draw Leeds

2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion Idrissa Gana Gueye helped Everton claim a point at home Monday, providing the assist on Thierno Barry’s second half leveler in a 1-1 English Premier League draw.

It was the 36-year-old Gueye’s first match since returning from captaining Senegal to their second African title in Morocco, where he played every minute during the Lions of Teranga’s winning run.

Receiving a pass down the right flank, the central midfielder’s forward run created space for a low cross that found the run of Barry at the near post. The Frenchman fired past Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow to save a point for the hosts at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Gueye had an excellent chance to win the match moments later but he fired off the crossbar. Monday’s match also featured the return of Senegal teammate Iliman Ndiaye who also played the full ninety minutes.

FT. Barry’s second-half strike earns a share of the points.

[1-1] #EVELEE pic.twitter.com/JHLvUlMTCw

— Everton (@Everton) January 26, 2026

It was the first assist of the season for the veteran midfielder to go along with two goals for the Toffees, who moved ahead of Sunderland into 10th place on the Premier League table. They will be in action again on Saturday at Brighton.