Ghanaian midfielder Rahim Ibrahim made an instant impact by opening the scoring as Slovan Bratislava recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Železiarne Podbrezová in the Slovak Super Liga.
The 24-year-old found the breakthrough in just the seventh minute, meeting a well-weighted cross from Daiki Matsuoka before firing a clinical finish high into the centre of the net to hand the Slovak champions the perfect start.
Ibrahim had already threatened moments earlier, narrowly missing the target with a powerful long-range effort in the third minute before making no mistake with his second opportunity.
The former Ghana youth international was influential throughout the opening half, combining effectively with Matsuoka to dictate the tempo and keep the visitors pinned back with his energy, movement and intelligent passing.
Slovan maintained control after the break and eventually put the contest beyond doubt through Alen Mustafić, who struck twice in the 68th and 79th minutes to secure all three points.
Ibrahim continues to establish himself as an important figure in Slovan Bratislava’s midfield after another impressive display. Since joining the Slovak giants, the technically gifted midfielder has become a regular contributor, earning praise for his composure in possession, defensive work rate and ability to support attacks from midfield.
Attention now turns to Europe, where Slovan Bratislava will host Swedish side Mjällby on August 4 in a crucial UEFA Champions League qualifying fixture, with Ibrahim expected to play a key role as the Slovak champions bid to reach the next round.
