Democratic Republic of Congo international striker Cedric Bakambu was on the scoresheet last night in the UEFA Champions League for his Turkish club Galatasaray in a dramatic 2-1 defeat to German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
Bakambu came off the substitutes to score Galatasaray’s only goal in injury-time to become only the first Congolese footballer to score against Europe’s most decorated clubs in Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as Bayern.
Galatasaray put up strong fight at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday as they held the Germans until the last 10 minutes when English marksman Harry Kane scored twice to settle the Group A encounter.
Kane put Bayern in front in the 80th minute before sealing his brace six minutes later to silence the Turkish champions.
Bakambu who was substituted on in place of Ivorian teammate Wilfred Zaha in the 78th minute, was set up by Sergio Oliveira to pull one back in injury-time but it was too late as the hosts took all three points.
Wednesday night’s consolation yet Congolese landmark goal was only the 32-year old former Villarreal striker’s first for Galatasaray having joined this season from Greek club Olympiacos.
News of Bakambu hitting the back of the net will be music to DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers coming up next week.
