Mozambique international Geny Catamo scored for Sporting CP as the Portuguese side came from behind to beat Galatasaray 3-1 in their opening Champions League league-phase match.
Catamo equalised in the 27th minute after Galatasaray had taken the lead, helping Sporting recover from a difficult start and begin their European campaign with victory.
The goal underlined the growing importance of the 24-year-old in Sporting’s Champions League campaign, with Catamo now having scored three times in the competition during his third season at this level.
He has also contributed two goals and three assists in all competitions since the beginning of the current season, according to the tally used.
Sporting eventually took control after Catamo had restored parity.
Luis Javier Suárez put the Portuguese side ahead from the penalty spot in the 57th minute before Rodrigo Zalazar extended their advantage six minutes later.
The 3-1 result gave Sporting an ideal start to their European campaign, while Catamo became one of the African players to have scored in this season’s Champions League.
For Catamo, the latest goal continues a sequence of important contributions on the European stage.
His first Champions League goal came on 10 December 2024 against Club Brugge. Catamo put Sporting in front just three minutes into that match, although the Belgian side recovered to win 2-1.
He continued to make an impact in the following season when Sporting faced Olympique de Marseille.
Catamo came on as a substitute and scored in the 69th minute to level the contest after Marseille had moved ahead through Igor Paixão. Sporting went on to claim a 2-1 victory after Alisson Santos scored in the 86th minute.
The Mozambican was involved again when Sporting produced a 3-0 win against Club Brugge several weeks later.
On that occasion, Catamo’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper, but the rebound allowed Geovany Quenda to open the scoring. Catamo then turned provider, supplying the assist for Luis Suárez to score Sporting’s second goal.
His latest contribution against Galatasaray further highlights his growing influence when Sporting face major European opposition.
Catamo was deployed in an attacking role and used his pace, dribbling and movement in the final third to cause problems for the Turkish side.
His equaliser proved particularly important because it changed the momentum of the match after Galatasaray had gone ahead.
Sporting were able to build on that response after the break, with Suárez converting from the penalty spot before Zalazar added the third.
The Portuguese club eventually secured a comfortable 3-1 victory to make a winning start to their Champions League campaign.
Catamo’s goal was also significant beyond Sporting’s comeback. It placed him among the African players who have already found the net in the latest edition of Europe’s leading club competition.
The Mozambique international is now in his third Champions League season and has established a growing record of contributions in the tournament.
His European scoring record began with his early goal against Club Brugge in December 2024, before he added another against Marseille and played a key role in Sporting’s later victory over Club Brugge.
Against Galatasaray, he again demonstrated his ability to influence a major European fixture, this time by scoring the equaliser before Sporting completed their comeback.
The victory leaves Sporting with an encouraging start to their league-phase campaign, while Catamo’s latest performance adds to the growing evidence of his importance to the Portuguese club.
For Mozambique, his continued involvement at the highest level of European football also represents a notable achievement, with Catamo now among the African players making their mark in this season’s Champions League.
