Ibrahim Sulemana Scores Debut Atalanta Goal, Secures Champions League Spot

• Ibrahim Sulemana, 21, scored his debut goal for Atalanta, coming off the bench to seal a 2-1 victory against Roma
• Sulemana’s goal sends Atalanta back to the UEFA Champions League for 2025/26, sparking celebrations in Bergamo
• The Ghana international joined the Italian club from Cagliari in 2024

Ibrahim Sulemana, 21, announced himself in a high-stakes Serie A clash at Atalanta with a stunning match-winner against AS Roma to seal Champions League qualification for La Dea.

The Ghanaian midfielder scored his first goal for the club in dramatic fashion against AS Roma on Monday, May 12, 2025.

The result secured three vital points for the Bergamo side and guaranteed their place in the 2025/26 UEFA CL.

Tough Atalanta vs AS Roma Serie A battle

Atalanta hosted an electric match at the Gewiss Stadium in what was a crucial fixture for both sides.

Atalanta, eyeing a Champions League spot, needed a win to keep their destiny in their own hands. Roma, likewise, were pushing for a European competition participation and came with intent.

Ademola Lookman gave the home fans something to cheer about early, scoring in the 9th minute after a clever through-ball and composed finish.

However, Roma struck back in the 32nd minute through Bryan Cristante, whose header off a cross levelled the score and brought tension back to the contest.

Match winner Ibrahim Sulemana's debut Atalanta goal

With the game finely balanced and the pressure mounting, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini made a decisive substitution in the 68th minute.

Off came the experienced Mario Pašalić, and on came Ibrahim Sulemana, still seeking his first goal in the club’s colours after joining from Cagliari in 2024.

Just eight minutes after stepping onto the pitch, the Black Stars of Ghana midfielder seized his moment.

In the 76th minute, a slick move by Atalanta saw the ball directed to Sulemana, who delivered a powerful side-footed strike that rocketed past the Roma goalkeeper, Mile Svilar, to the back of the net.

Atalanta qualifies for Champions League

Sulemana’s goal secured a season-defining outcome.

The 2-1 victory confirmed 3rd-placed Atalanta’s qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, a competition that will once again welcome the Black and Blues to its grand stage.

For a club known for its attacking philosophy and player development, returning to Europe's top competition is a testament to their consistency and ambition.

With young talents like Sulemana stepping up, the future looks promising in Bergamo while Ghana boss Otto Addo may be delighted to have the talented midfielder for the September World Cup qualifiers after he missed out on March's games against Chad and Madagascar.

Monaco qualify for Champions League with Mohammed Salisu

YEN.com.gh earlier reported AS Monaco's Champions League 2025/26 qualification following their 2-0 Ligue 1 win against Olympique Lyon on May 10.

The Ghana international centre-back was, however, an unused substitute in the game, with Ivorian defender Wilfried Singo and German player Thilo Kehrer as the starters.

Source: YEN.com.gh