Egypt striker Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka' scored a superb goal and burst into tears following Wednesday's death of his father as Portugal's Sporting Braga claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to French giants Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday. The in-form 22-year-old, who was linked with a summer move to Benfica, broke the deadlock on 61 minutes in brilliant fashion, sending an angled lob over the keeper for Braga's opener. He then wept; kissed a black armband he wore and was mobbed by his teammates after his father died on Wednesday. Kouka and Wilson Eduardo put Braga in the driving seat at 2-0 before Romain Alessandrini and Michy Batshuayi appeared to have rescued a point for Marseille. But Alan struck for the home side in the 88th minute to grab a dramatic winner after Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda had flapped at a cross. Braga lead Group F with a maximum nine points with Marseille six off the pace. Koka opened his account for Braga, whom he joined from Rio Ave in the close season, in a 1-0 victory over Dutch side FC Groningen in their previous Europa League Group F clash on 1 October. He also bagged a brace in Egypt's 3-0 friendly win over Zambia in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. He seems favourite to lead the Pharaohs' frontline in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Chad next month. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/161618.aspx
