FC Porto left-back, Zaidu Sanusi go a spot in his team’s starting 11 for their UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid of Spain on Wednesday, megasportsarena.com reports.
Although Sanusi was later replaced in the encounter, his efforts helped the visitors pull off a surprise goalless draw at Estadio Metropolitano in the Spanish city of Madrid.
Sanusi, who has found game time hard to get in the new season, was all grit and fight in the rare chance of playing against Los Colchoneros and he gave the best of his first in five matches across all competitions.
The Super Eagles’ defender was, however, on parade for only 45 minutes before making way for Wendell, a summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen of Germany, as the Nigerian lad was walking a disciplinary tightrope after he was cautioned in the 21st minute for a rough foul on Koke.
Before stepping off the pitch though, Sanusi efforts boosted Porto’s charge, as the squad from Portugal showed great ambition and charge in the opening 30 minutes, during which the Eagles’ lad was involved in a dangerous move when Díaz’s pass found him down the left.
Sadly, Sanusi was slow to attack the ball and that allowed Kondogbia block his shot, following which Porto’s central defender, Mbemba was dismissed for a foul on Antoine Griezmann with almost the last kick of the game.
Sanusi will now aim for another starting spot and more playing time when Porto host Liverpool of England in their next continental fixture at Estádio Do Dragão, which will be on September 28.
