By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Mahamadou Aboubakar Nagida delivered one of his most influential performances in a Stade Rennais shirt on Thursday night, playing a decisive role as the French side came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Juventus in the UEFA Europa League at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The 21-year-old Cameroon international played the entire 90 minutes, operating on the left flank and troubling the Italian side with his attacking runs. Despite Juventus taking an early lead through Zeki Çelik in the sixth minute, Rennes responded through Mousa Al-Tamari nine minutes later. Nagida helped initiate the equalising move with a cross that was headed across goal by Bryan Reynolds before Al-Tamari finished from close range.
Nagida continued to threaten Juventus and came close to scoring himself with a volley that forced goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario into action. His persistence paid off again shortly before half-time when another volley struck the arm of Douglas Luiz inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded Rennes a penalty, which Boulaye Dia converted in the 43rd minute to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage.
The Cameroonian’s influence was reflected in his match statistics. Nagida recorded 66 touches, completed 29 of his 35 passes and created two key passing opportunities. He completed two of his five crosses and two of four attempted dribbles, while winning five of eight ground duels. Defensively, he registered two interceptions, six recoveries and four clearances, underlining his contribution at both ends of the pitch. He also attempted three shots during the encounter.
Juventus eventually restored parity through Nick Woltemade, who converted a penalty in the 67th minute after Bryan Reynolds handled the ball inside the area. The hosts pushed for a winner and briefly thought they had secured all three points when Jhon Lucumi scored late on, but VAR ruled out the effort for offside. Rennes held on to claim a valuable point away from home, with Nagida’s performance standing out among the visitors.
For Nagida, the display represents another encouraging step in his development at Rennes. Having progressed from the École de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun to senior European football, the young left-sided defender is increasingly demonstrating that his qualities extend beyond defensive duties. Against one of Italy’s most recognisable clubs, he showed attacking intent, composure and determination, offering further evidence of his growing importance to Rennes and his potential value to Cameroon.
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