Ligue 1: Moses Simon dedicates his goal against Metz to late Raphael Dwamena

Moses Simon and Raphael Dwamena were teammates during Simon’s one year stint in Levante, forming a relationship as brothers off the pitch.

Super Eagles versatile winger, Moses Simon, dedicated his goal against F.C. Metz to the late Raphael Dwamena after the Ghanaian striker died yesterday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian equalized for the yellow canaries after Kevin Van De Kerkhof opened the scoring for Metz who were playing at home.

A low cross from Matthieu Udol was met by Kerkhof who cushioned his finish into the back of the net just three minutes into the game.

Nine minutes later, Moses Simon equalized for the away side. A cross from Nicolas Pallaois found the 27-year-old on the edge of the six yard box, and he rifled the ball into the centre of the goal.

There was a delay in the announcement of the goal as VAR got involved to double check if there was a foul in the build up, but referee Florent Batta was given the all clear signal, allowing Simon to pay homage to his ex-teammate.

The Nigerian winger showed a message written on the apparel he wore underneath. It read “Rest In Peace Raph.”

Moses Simon scores and pays tribute to Raphael Dwamena.

The two were teammates at Levante back in 2018

RIP Raph 💔 pic.twitter.com/eLei2BICxM

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) November 12, 2023

The late Ghanaian striker was Simon’s teammate at Levante, but died in a game yesterday due to heart complications while playing for his club side in Albania.

A through-ball from Albie Jallow played Simon Elisor through on goal, and the French striker put the ball into the back of the net to put his side 2-1 up.

Metz sealed the deal five minutes from the full time whistle through Joel Asoro. Kevin Van De Kerkhof turned provider this time as his cross was met by Asoro who sidefooted his finish into Alban Lamont’s bottom corner.

𝗙𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵.

Le FC Nantes n’est pas parvenu à réagir et s’incline face à Metz.

𝟯-𝟭 #fcmfcn pic.twitter.com/eonDYs95aE

— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) November 12, 2023

Nantes loss leaves them in the 8th position in the Ligue 1 table, while Simon’s goal now means he has been involved in eight goals this season in the league, with Kylian Mbappè the only player to have more, with fourteen.