Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu marked a memorable milestone on Wednesday night, scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal to help AS Monaco snatch a thrilling 2-2 draw against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
Monaco entered the match high on confidence after defeating Barcelona in their opening Champions League fixture, while Zagreb were reeling from a 9-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in their previous outing. Despite the visitors’ momentum, it was the hosts who set the early tone, dominating possession and creating the first clear chances.
Zagreb’s persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Petar Sucic slotted home to give the home side the lead. Martin Baturina then doubled their advantage in the 66th minute, putting Monaco on the back foot and threatening to snatch a surprise win.
However, Salisu stepped up in the 74th minute, rising at the back post to head home from a corner and halve the deficit. The strike not only kept Monaco in the game but also marked Salisu’s first goal for the club and his first competitive goal in over three years, the last coming in September 2021 for Southampton in the Carabao Cup, and previously scoring for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup against South Korea.
Monaco’s late pressure was finally rewarded when Denis Zakaria converted a penalty in the dying minutes to level the score and secure a crucial point on the road.
With the draw, Monaco remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stage, while Salisu’s timely intervention further cements his importance to the team. The French side now turn their focus back to domestic action, aiming to maintain their unbeaten Ligue 1 start when they face Rennes on Saturday.
