Cameroon defender Yvan Dibango became only the third African player to provide at least three assists in a single UEFA Champions League match, despite LASK Linz suffering a 6-3 home defeat by Liverpool.
The 25-year-old was instrumental in the Austrian side’s second-half response on Wednesday, 14 October, setting up all three of LASK’s goals in a 15-minute spell.
According to Opta statistics, Dibango has joined former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o and Morocco international Achraf Hakimi in the exclusive group of African players to record at least three assists in one Champions League match.
Eto’o achieved the feat in 2006, while Hakimi reached the milestone in 2018.
Dibango’s performance offered a personal highlight on a difficult evening for LASK, who struggled to contain Liverpool’s attack and suffered their second defeat of the league phase.
Liverpool had built a commanding lead before the Cameroonian defender helped the hosts reduce the deficit.
In the 63rd minute, Dibango set up Robert Ljubičić to make it 4-1 before turning provider for Florian Flecker twice in quick succession.
His cross from the left in the 74th minute allowed Flecker to score with a header. Three minutes later, Dibango delivered another ball into the penalty area, which Flecker converted first-time to bring the score to 6-3.
Despite the late improvement, LASK could not mount a serious challenge to Liverpool’s advantage, with the visitors holding on for victory.
Dibango’s contribution extended beyond his three assists. He played the full 90 minutes, touched the ball 42 times and completed 18 of his 23 passes, according to the match statistics provided.
The defender also recorded five key passes and created three big chances.
He won three of five ground duels, succeeded with both of his attempted tackles, won one aerial duel, made one clearance and registered two recoveries.
Those figures underline the Cameroonian’s influence in creating opportunities for his team, even as LASK struggled defensively against their English opponents.
Liverpool’s attacking performance was led by Bradley Barcola, who scored a hat-trick. Ronald Araújo, Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas also contributed to the visitors’ goalscoring display.
The result leaves LASK facing a difficult start to their European campaign, with the defeat adding to their problems in the league phase.
For Dibango, however, the match will be remembered for a rare individual achievement.
His three assists put him alongside two established African football stars in the Champions League record books.
The Cameroonian, who plays for LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga and represents his country at under-23 level, has now produced a performance that stands out despite his team’s heavy loss.
