Nestory Irankunda shook off last weekend’s injury scare to start again for Grasshoppers, producing a dazzling display in a 2-1 home loss to Servette in the Swiss Super League.
The Socceroos sensation almost scored the opener in the 12th minute when his header from a Noah Persson’s cross cannoned into the crossbar.
Irankunda was at it again shortly after, receiving the ball on halfway, driving forward only to be thwarted by Servette keeper Joel Mall.
Minutes later, Irankunda won a penalty for Grasshoppes, evading a defender first before being hauled down by Mall. Tsiy William Ndenge stepped up to convert.
Irankunda continued his outstanding first half with a near assist, doing well to provide a pass for Tim Meyer who couldn’t capitalise.
Servette turned the game around in the second half, with Irankunda’s interest waning until he was replaced on 80 minutes.
Eusi Startufstellig geg Servette 🔵⚪
🔄: Kuttin, Abels, Dettoni, Kittel, Schürpf, Hassane, Verón Lupi, Bojang, Turhan#gczürich #immerwiiter #GCZSFC pic.twitter.com/L6Q6RAF7V6
— Grasshopper Club Zürich (@gc_zuerich) February 16, 2025
Jackson Irvine played a full game for St Pauli in a 1-0 home defeat to SC Freiburg in the German Bundesliga, but conceded a penalty for a needless foul.
Irvine gave away a penalty bundling an opposition player attempting a headed clearance on the edge of the box.
But Irvine’s blushes were spared when Vincenzo Grifo’s Panenka was easily saved by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj who stayed upright.
Max Balard put in a full shift for NAC Breda in a 0-0 draw with Dutch powerhouse Feyenoord in the Eredivisie on Saturday.
On Sunday, Mat Ryan was absent for Lens’ 2-0 home loss to Strasbourg due to a hip injury.
Massimo Luongo played 10 minutes as an 80th minute substitute for Ipswich Town as they claimed a 1-1 draw at Aston Vila in England’s Premier League.
Fresh from FA Cup game-time, Luongo earned a 6/10 rating from the East Anglian Daily Times who wrote: “Slotted in seamlessly for Jens Cajuste at the end.”
Aiden O’Neill returned to Standard Liege’s starting XI for the first time since copping a knock in early January, playing a full game in a 2-1 home loss to Genk in Belgium’s Pro League.
Jordan Bos missed Westerlo’s 1-1 draw at Cercle Brugge with a hamstring injury sustained last weekend.
Youngster Rhys Youlley was a 82nd minute substitute, earning more game-time after last weekend’s cameo.
Hayden Matthews continued his impressive start with Portsmouth, earning Player of the Match honours following their 2-0 win at Oxford United in the English Championship.
Portsmouth News rated Matthews 9/10 and wrote: “Got the nod to replace the injured Shaughnessy at centre-half and produced a remarkable display.
“Assured, composed, magnificent defensively. What a prospect he appears.”
Keanu Baccus rifled in a long-range goal and provided an assist in Mansfield Town’s 3-3 draw away to Blackpool in England’s League One.
Sam Silvera started and played 46 minutes for Blackpool.
Joe Gauci put in a full shift for Barnsley but couldn’t get them past Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield who triumphed 2-1.
Aussie goalkeeper Ash Maynard-Brewer was replaced at half-time due to injury in Charlton’s 1-0 loss at Birmingham City.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones said: “It was an injury. He couldn’t kick it. It was a groin or a thigh. We’ll assess that.”
Others
Full games
Martin Boyle (Hibernian), Nectarios Triantis (Hibernian), Jacob Italiano (Grazer AK), Jason Davidson (Panserraikos), Callum Elder (Derby County), Gethin Jones (Bolton)
Minutes
Jack Iredale – ST 70 (Hibernian), Lewis Miller – SB 88 (Hibernian), Calum Nieuwenhof – SB 69 (Hearts), Josh Nisbet – SB 85 (Ross County), Ryan Strain – SB 89 (Dundee United), Caleb Watts – ST 77 (Exeter), Anthony Kalik – SB 77 (Hajduk Split), Aaron Calver – SB 46 (Daejeon Citizen), Craig Goodwin – ST 67 (Al Wehda)
Unused subs
Milos Degenek (TSC), Ajdin Hrustic (Salernitana), Tom Glover (Middlesbrough), Nicholas Bilokapic (Peterborough), Jacob Chapman (Huddersfield), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Mitch Duke (Machida Zelvia)
