AS Monaco 0, Tony Yeboah 3
When Howard Wilkinson took the bold step of acquiring Ghanaian International Tony Yeboah to fill the goal-scoring void left by Lee Chapman, it was a high-stakes gamble. However, this risk paid off spectacularly as Yeboah's goals became the catalyst for United's charge into Europe. Despite initial concerns about his fitness, Yeboah proved to be a clinical finisher with a powerful shot, justifying the £3.4 million transfer fee paid to Eintracht Frankfurt to bolster United's previously struggling attack.
United had hoped for a gentle reintroduction to European football, but fate had a different plan, pitting them against the star-studded French champions, Monaco. Nevertheless, the United faithful discovered a new hero in Tony Yeboah, who delivered a remarkable hat-trick in Monaco, further solidifying his scintillating start with Leeds. Having been acquired from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany the previous January, the Ghanaian star's goals played a crucial role in United's late surge to secure a place in Europe. Monaco, who had reached the European Cup Semi-Finals the season prior were swept aside with ease by Tony Yeboah's exceptional finishing abilities.
Within three minutes, the African star opened the scoring when Monaco goalkeeper Fabien Piveteau collided with his teammate Lillian Thuram, fumbling the ball and leaving it ripe for Tony Yeboah to expertly hook it over the goalkeeper's head into the unguarded net. Despite Monaco's possession advantage, United's resolute defense, spearheaded by David Wetherall and John Pemberton, held firm. Monaco's Belgian midfield star Enzo Scifo attempted to drive his side forward, but they struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Upfront, Tony Yeboah's strike partner Brian Deane tirelessly contributed to the attack.
As the match progressed, United's confidence soared, and after sixty-five minutes, Tony Yeboah mesmerized the Leeds fans at the Stade Louis II with a sensational second goal. Receiving Gary McAllister's throw-in from the left, Yeboah executed a sublime turn to evade his marker and create space, allowing him to curl a magnificent shot beyond the outstretched arms of Marc Delaroche, who had replaced the injured Piveteau at halftime.
Monaco's night went from bad to worse. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Delaroche suffered further agony when he collided brutally with defender Basile Boli while Yeboah craftily lobbed the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick. Both Delaroche and Boli were stretchered off the field after receiving extensive medical attention, prompting Monaco to substitute an outfield player, Claude Puel, as their goalkeeper for the remaining minutes.
Yeboah, who would later score another breathtaking hat-trick in United's 4-2 victory over Wimbledon eleven days later, received high praise from his manager, Howard Wilkinson. "Words cannot do justice to Tony Yeboah and his importance to the team," raved the Leeds boss. "He has always been able to score simple goals, but now he's finding the net with increasingly difficult ones. It's a fantastic outcome for us." In contrast, Monaco coach Jean Tigana lamented, "It was a dreadful night for us. Not only did we lose the match, but we also lost two players. I have little hope for the return leg."
Leeds had luck on their side, but it was their reliable and championship-winning midfield duo of Gary McAllister and Gary Speed, along with the £2.6 million signing from Sheffield Wednesday, Carlton Palmer, who provided Tony Yeboah with the ammunition. And he certainly made the most of it.
Although Leeds lost the home leg 1-0, they advanced on a 3-1 aggregate score. However, their fortunes turned in the second round, suffering an 8-3 defeat on aggregate against PSV Eindhoven after losing the home leg 5-3. Thus, a European campaign that began with great promise was abruptly cut short.