Ghana's Ibrahim Osman bagged a pair of assists as Brighton opened their Conference League campaign with a 4-0 rout of Kauno Zalgiris.
Ghanaian playmaker Ibrahim Osman stole the show at the American Express Stadium on Thursday, creating two goals as Brighton & Hove Albion opened their UEFA Conference League campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over FK Kauno Zalgiris.
The 21-year-old was the creative spark behind Fabian Hurzeler's side. His delivery found Georginio Rutter in the 41st minute, and the French attacker finished from close range to break the deadlock. Just before the interval, Jack Hinshelwood made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time, tucking away the finish after a slick move involving Rutter.
Osman kept pulling the strings after the restart. In the 53rd minute he teed up Rutter again, and the forward netted his second of the night to put the contest beyond doubt. Matt O'Riley added the fourth in the 67th minute with a header, sealing a comfortable evening for the Seagulls.
It was a confident European start for Brighton and a standout showing for one of Ghana's brightest young talents. Next up is domestic business, with Crystal Palace visiting in the Premier League on October 18.
