Major League Soccer Recap: Ivorian veterans strike; Owusu and Denkey duel it out

Following successful spells in European club football, Ivorian international attackers Wilfried Zaha and Jonathan Bamba continue to show their class in Major League Soccer and both contributed to victories for their clubs over the weekend.

Wilfried Zaha lets it fly for his first goal of the season. 💫 pic.twitter.com/I2gozkNzZH

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 22, 2026

At 33-years-old, Zaha has revitalized his club career in the United States with Charlotte FC. He scored his first goal early in the 2026 campaign on Saturday as Charlotte stormed to a 6-1 victory over New York Red Bulls.

Still on loan from Galatasaray until the end of June, last season the former Crystal Palace star produced 10 goals and 5 assists in 33 MLS matches after a miserable previous loan spell in France’s Ligue 1 with Olympique Lyonnais. His spell of strong form even saw him recalled to the Ivory Coast national team, where he made three appearances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

What a finish! Jonathan Bamba puts @ChicagoFire ahead! pic.twitter.com/wTfbmDIN5N

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 21, 2026

In one of the early matches on Saturday, Bamba fired in a volley for the match-winner close to the hour mark in Chicago Fire’s 2-1 victory at Philadelphia Union.

Signed for a large transfer fee ahead of last season from La Liga club Celta Vigo, Bamba remains a consistently dangerous winger and his signing came amidst a wave of acquisitions as Chicago attempts to become competitive again.

Last season, Bamba had 6 goals and 5 assists from 37 matches and is off to a good start in 2026 with 2 goals in 4 games.

In Cincinnati, Ghana international forward Prince Owusu did all he could for CF Montreal but the Canadian visitors came up short in a 3-4 defeat to Togolese striker Kévin Denkey and hosts FC Cincinnati.

Prince Owusu scores for the third-straight game 🔥

Beautiful dime from Iván Jaime to give @cfmontreal the lead in Cincy. pic.twitter.com/M0a73RQ8Wd

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 22, 2026

German-born Owusu had a hand in all three of Montreal’s goals, scoring two and providing an assist on the 6th minute opener. However, despite making it three consecutive matches with a goal to bring his total to 4 goals in 5 matches, it was not enough against the high-powered attack of Cincinnati.

A man down? Not a problem for Kevin Denkey and @fccincinnati. 🤷‍♂️

The Togolese striker’s dramatic game-winner is your @CelsiusOfficial Energy Moment of the Matchday. pic.twitter.com/9OWw3gY0dR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 23, 2026

Denkey completed the comeback victory in second half stoppage time with his finish from close range. Last season’s big money signing continues to thrive in the American Midwest and now has 6 goals from 8 matches this season.

Also of note on Cincinnati is Moroccan forward Ayoub Jabbari. The former AS FAR Rabat youth product, who spent five years in Europe, joined midway through the 2025 season and is finding his stride this season. His first MLS goal on Sunday was a factor for the hosts during their inspired effort.

What a run and dime from Ender Echenique 👀

Ayoub Jabbari strikes for his first MLS goal. pic.twitter.com/iXmnSnb3cm

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 22, 2026