Ghanaian midfielder Edmund Addo made his maiden appearance in the Champions League and played an important role as FC Sheriff recorded a 2-0 historic win in their first Group D game against Shakhtar Donetsk.
FC Sheriff were incredibly resilient at the back, showed the maturity and discipline to apply the breaks to thwart Shakhtar's effort in attack.
The most significant element to their approach was quick acceleration into the opponents' half which yielded two spectacular goals on the counter.
At the heart of that defensive resolve and transition was Edmund Addo, who made two made timely interventions to prevent Shakhtar Donetsk from recording a goal.
The 21-year-old cleared a cut-back pass in 49th minute to deny Shakhtar Donetsk an equaliser after Mali striker Adama Traoré had given Sheriff the lead with a wonderful volley in the 16th minute.
In the 77th minute, Addo challenged Shakhtar midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk to get a foot on the ball in the 18-yard box that results in a corner. This time, it was to prevent a consolation goal after Guinea international Momo Yansané had doubled their advantage through a powerful header in the 62nd minute. An effort that received applause from his teammates and the crowd.
Edmund Addo however had to receive medical attention in the 81st minute after going down awkwardly in between two players of the opposite side. That prompted his substitution in the 85th minute.
Sheriff FC tops Group D ahead of Real Madrid by virtue of superior goal difference and three points above Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk. Their next group game is against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu