Leke James was on target in the Europa League playoff on Thursday, but Sivasspor lost heavily 3-1 away at Malmo.
James was handed a starter’s spot for the Turkish side at the Eleda Stadion, and played the entire duration of the feisty affair where seven yellow cards were dished out by the Scottish center Referee, Willie Collum.
The Nigerian scored in the 30th minute to bring Sivasspor level after they went behind 18 minutes before.
It was the 29 year-old’s first goal of the season in all competitions – he has made four appearances in total.
The celebrations didn’t last long for the visitors as they were soon trailing again, Malmo restored their lead seven minutes after James’ equalizer.
Malmo killed the game off in the 68th minute and gave themselves a comfortable going into the second leg which comes up August 25.
James joins Sunday Adetunji of KF Shkupi as the Nigerians to score in all three major European inter club competitions.
