Braga's Ahmed Hassan his mobbed by teammates as they celebrate after scoring the opening goal during the Europa League group F soccer match between SC Braga and Olympique de Marseille at the Municipal stadium in Braga, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 (Photo: AP)
Egypt striker Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka’ scored a superb goal and burst into tears following Wednesday’s death of his father as Portugal’s Sporting Braga claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to French giants Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday.
The in-form 22-year-old, who was linked with a summer move to Benfica, broke the deadlock on 61 minutes in brilliant fashion, sending an angled lob over the keeper for Braga’s opener.
He then wept; kissed a black armband he wore and was mobbed by his teammates after his father died on Wednesday.
Kouka and Wilson Eduardo put Braga in the driving seat at 2-0 before Romain Alessandrini and Michy Batshuayi appeared to have rescued a point for Marseille.
But Alan struck for the home side in the 88th minute to grab a dramatic winner after Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda had flapped at a cross.
Braga lead Group F with a maximum nine points with Marseille six off the pace.
Koka opened his account for Braga, whom he joined from Rio Ave in the close season, in a 1-0 victory over Dutch side FC Groningen in their previous Europa League Group F clash on 1 October.
He also bagged a brace in Egypt’s 3-0 friendly win over Zambia in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. He seems favourite to lead the Pharaohs’ frontline in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Chad next month.
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