Osman Bukari Announces Champions League Return with Assist in Red Star Belgrade Victory
Ghana international Osman Bukari enjoyed a memorable return to UEFA Champions League football after providing an assist in Red Star Belgrade’s emphatic victory over Larne in the qualifying rounds.
The Black Stars winger made an immediate impression after coming off the bench, helping the Serbian champions seal a convincing away win with an eye-catching contribution in attack.
Red Star had already taken the lead through Bruno Duarte, who calmly converted from the penalty spot after the visitors were awarded a controversial spot kick.
Bukari’s introduction injected fresh pace into the attack, and it did not take long for him to influence proceedings. The winger skipped past his defender on the right flank before sending a perfectly weighted low cross into the penalty area, where Vasilije Kostov arrived to fire home Red Star’s second goal of the evening.
The assist effectively put the visitors in complete control of the contest.
Duarte later completed his brace with a composed finish into the bottom corner, while substitute Muhammed Cham rounded off the scoring with a spectacular effort that flew into the top-right corner.
Larne, who entered the fixture in impressive form, struggled to cope with Red Star’s attacking intensity and now face a daunting task in the return leg if they are to keep their European hopes alive.
For Bukari, the performance represented an encouraging start to his second spell with the Serbian giants after rejoining the club earlier this month.
The Ghanaian winger previously established himself as a fan favourite in Belgrade, playing a crucial role during his first stint before moving abroad. His return is expected to strengthen Red Star’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Red Star will now turn their attention to the Serbian Super Liga, where they are scheduled to face Vojvodina on July 26 before resuming their Champions League qualifying campaign.
Bukari’s impressive cameo will give head coach Dejan Stanković plenty of encouragement as the club continues its quest to secure a place in Europe’s premier club competition.
