Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari delivered a game-changing performance on his Champions League comeback as Red Star Belgrade overpowered Northern Irish side Larne in their qualifying tie.
Bukari, formerly of the Black Stars, came off the bench to inject pace and invention on the right flank and wasted no time in transforming Red Star’s attacking threat.
Instant impact from Bukari
Within minutes of entering the pitch, Bukari produced the moment that broke Larne’s resistance. Isolated against his marker, he dazzled with a sharp piece of skill before driving to the byline and firing a precise low cross into the area.
His delivery was met by Vasilije Kostov, who finished decisively to extend Red Star’s lead and give the Serbian champions full command of the contest.
Before Bukari’s intervention, Red Star had gone ahead through Bruno Duarte, who scored from the penalty spot following a contentious decision. The award of the spot-kick prompted protests from the Larne players, but Duarte kept his composure to convert.
Red Star seize control
Bukari’s introduction swung the momentum decisively towards the hosts, who began to dominate possession and territory as Larne struggled to cope with the increased tempo and movement.
Duarte later struck again, calmly guiding a low effort into the bottom corner to make it a brace for the Brazilian forward and further underline Red Star’s superiority.
Substitute Muhammed Cham then capped the victory in emphatic style, cutting inside before unleashing a stunning effort into the top-right corner, leaving the Larne goalkeeper with no chance.
By the closing stages, Red Star were in complete control, moving the ball confidently and limiting Larne to rare forays forward as the visitors’ earlier form heading into the tie counted for little against the Serbian champions’ attacking quality.
Larne face uphill task in return leg
Larne, who had travelled with optimism after a strong run of results, found themselves overwhelmed by Red Star’s intensity and technical superiority, particularly after Bukari’s arrival tilted the game firmly in the hosts’ favour.
The defeat leaves the Northern Irish club with a daunting challenge in the second leg, needing a significant turnaround to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Positive European return for Bukari
For Bukari, the match marked a highly encouraging return to Europe’s elite club competition following his move back to Red Star Belgrade, where he had previously established himself as a key attacking presence.
His assist, direct running and ability to unsettle defenders will provide a major boost to Red Star as they look to progress further in qualifying and secure a place in the Champions League group stage.
The Ghanaian will now aim to build on this impressive start when Red Star switch focus back to domestic duties. The Serbian champions are preparing for their next Serbian Super Liga fixture against Vojvodina on 26 July, with Bukari expected to play a central role as they continue their push on multiple fronts.
