MONDAY was another busy day for Saints’ contingent of players away on international duty as qualification for Euro 2024 and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations continued to heat up.
There were crucial victories for multiple of the seven senior Saints whose countries took part in Monday’s internationals while slender defeat against France was far from the worst case scenario for the club’s Irish goalkeeper.
READ MORE: Ruben Selles reveals how Saints rallied from shock FA Cup exit to Grimsby Town
Here is a full breakdown of how the Saints players in action fared during Monday’s fixtures…
Jan Bednarek
Poland 1-0 Albania
When Bednarek hobbled off clutching his side in the first half of Saints’ 3-3 draw with Spurs just before the international break, there were fears around the central defender's participation in the climax of the relegation battle.
But after it was deemed that he did not suffer any broken ribs, Bednarek stayed with Poland for their two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Still with his fitness up in the air it was unclear how much he’d actually play. Two games later, he’s racked up 180 minutes, once again starting for his country in their clash with Albania.
🇵🇱 Jan Bednarek vs Albania #SaintsFC
— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) March 27, 2023
90 Minutes
96 Touches
89% Pass accuracy
4 Clearances
1 Tackle
100% Ground duals won
100% Aerial duals won
Getting back to his best 🔋 pic.twitter.com/RJm2fGCcIS
Needing a result after defeat to the Czech Republic, Karol Swiderski’s first half goal was enough to propel Poland to victory as Bednarek and his teammates kept a crucial clean sheet.
The 26-year-old should be ready to go when Saints return to action on Sunday at West Ham.
Gavin Bazunu and Will Smallbone
Republic of Ireland 0-1 France
Facing one of the sternest tests in world football against World Cup fianlists France, Bazunu and the Republic of Ireland fought valiantly to stay in the game and nearly snatch a huge point.
Bazunu was kept busy throughout, making a number of crucial saves before Benjamin Pavard broke the deadlock with a fine effort into the top corner from outside the box. The Saints shot-stopper then kept his side in the contest with a full-length dive to deny Moussa Diaby.
SAVE! Bazunu keeps Ireland in touch with a good save from Diaby #SaintsFC
— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) March 27, 2023
pic.twitter.com/4GLORmEp3G
But the moment of the match came from Bazunu’s opposite number as Mike Maignan somehow reacted quick enough to keep out Nathan Collins’ late header and ensure France emerged victorious.
Despite his impressive performance in their previous game against Latvia, Will Smallbone was an unused substitute for Ireland’s defeat to France.
Kamaldeen Sulemana and Mohammed Salisu
Angola 1-1 Ghana
Saints defender Salisu remained absent once again for Ghana on Monday evening due to injury but Kamaldeen was selected to start for the second consecutive game.
After beating Angola 1-0 in Kumasi last week, Ghana visited Luanda for the reverse fixture and went down 1-0 after Reading forward Lucas Joao scored from the penalty spot shortly after half-time.
Kamaldeen Sulemana attempted ten dribbles this international break…
— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) March 27, 2023
He completed all of them ⚡️ #SaintsFC #BlackStars pic.twitter.com/Gp47ldRiOY
But just as in their first encounter - when Antoine Semenyo struck at the death to give Ghana all three points - the Black Stars refused to give up and Osman Bukari equalised in the 72nd minute.
Kamaldeen was substituted just past the hour-mark after an exciting but ultimately fruitless outing.
Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo
Guinea-Bissau 0-1 Nigeria
For the second straight game both members of Saints’ Nigerian contingent - Onuachu and Aribo - started on the bench for the Super Eagles.
In their first Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau last week, Onuachu was brought on at half-time as Nigeria chased an equaliser that did not arrive.
This time - in Guinea-Bissau - it was Nigeria who took a first half lead as Moses Simon put his side ahead with a penalty.
After failing to appear in the first game, Aribo came off the bench with 30 minutes left to play as Nigeria held out for a thoroughly important 1-0 win. Onuachu remained on the bench throughout.
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