Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari endured a night to forget as his Austin FC side secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pumas in the Concacaf Leagues Cup.
The 25-year-old, making just his second appearance for the MLS outfit since his summer move from Red Star Belgrade, was sent off in the first half.
Bukari had been shown a yellow card in the 28th minute before receiving a second caution just six minutes later, leaving his team to play the majority of the game with ten men. Despite the setback, Austin managed to hold on for the win thanks to goals from Alexander Ring, Gyasi Zardes, and Sebastian Driussi.
Pumas fought back valiantly with strikes from Ali Avila and Guillermo Martínez, but a missed penalty in the dying moments of the game denied them a share of the spoils. The result sees Austin top Group A and set up a clash with Monterrey on July 31st.
Austin coach Josh Wolff expressed sympathy for Osman Bukari, highlighting the player’s undoubted talent but acknowledging the need for adaptation to the league. “It is unfortunate but we will continue to talk and help Bukari,” Wolff said. “His qualities you can see in little moments where he is his elusiveness and dynamism and change of speed. His dynamic is quite clear but you got to get familiar with the league certainly with the refereeing.”
Osman Bukari will now be looking to put the disappointment behind him and make a positive impact in future matches.