Mbwana Samatta Named Le Havre Player of the Month for April 2026

Key facts

• Mbwana Ally Samatta won Le Havre AC's Player of the Month award for April 2026.
• He scored his first goal for Le Havre on April 12, 2026, in a 1-1 Ligue 1 draw.
• His second goal came in the fifth minute of a 4-4 draw against FC Metz.
• Samatta is the first Tanzanian to score in both the English Premier League and Ligue 1.
• He previously played for Aston Villa in the Premier League and Genk in Belgium.
• Samatta began his career at African Lyon in 2008 and turned professional with Simba SC in 2010.
• He won the CAF Champions League with TP Mazembe in 2015 and was top scorer.
• Samatta was the Belgian Pro League top scorer in 2019 and won the Ebony Shoe award.

A Historic Month in Normandy

Mbwana Ally Samatta has been named Player of the Month for April 2026 at Le Havre AC, the Ligue 1 club announced. The Tanzanian international scored two goals during the month, signaling a resurgence in form for the forward who joined the French side earlier this season. His first goal came on April 12, 2026, in a 1-1 draw against an unnamed opponent — his first since arriving at Le Havre. The strike ended a lengthy drought and marked a turning point in his campaign. Samatta followed up with a fifth-minute goal in a wild 4-4 draw against FC Metz, showcasing his sharpness in front of goal.

Two Goals, Two Milestones

The two goals in April were not just about personal redemption; they cemented Samatta's place in football history. With his strike on April 12, he became the first Tanzanian to score in Ligue 1, adding to his previous achievement of being the first Tanzanian to play and score in the English Premier League during his stint at Aston Villa. His second goal, an early opener against Metz, demonstrated his ability to influence games from the opening whistle. The 4-4 result highlighted the attacking nature of both teams, but Samatta's contribution was a bright spot for Le Havre. These performances earned him the club's Player of the Month award, a recognition of his growing influence within the team.

From African Lyon to European Stardom

Samatta's journey to Ligue 1 began in Tanzania, where he joined African Lyon's youth setup in 2008. He turned professional in 2010 with Simba Sports Club, but his stay was brief — half a season — before he moved to TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At Mazembe, he spent five years, becoming a first-team regular and helping the club win the CAF Champions League in 2015. That year, he was named African Based Player of the Year and finished as the competition's top scorer. His exploits caught the attention of European clubs, and in January 2016 he signed for Belgian side Genk.

Belgian Success and Premier League Breakthrough

At Genk, Samatta helped the team qualify for the UEFA Europa League and win the Belgian Pro League in 2019. He finished that season as the league's top scorer with 20 goals, earning the Ebony Shoe award for the best African player in Belgium. His form earned him a move to Aston Villa in the Premier League, where he made history as the first Tanzanian to play and score in England's top flight. He made his debut in the competition on June 23 against Senegal in a round-robin stage match, though the context suggests this may refer to international duty. Despite a challenging spell at Villa, Samatta's move to Le Havre has given him a fresh start in Ligue 1.

What the Award Means for Samatta and Le Havre

The Player of the Month award is a testament to Samatta's hard work and adaptation to French football. For Le Havre, a club with a rich history but currently fighting for stability in Ligue 1, Samatta's form provides a crucial attacking threat. His two goals in April contributed directly to points in a tight league table, where every result matters. The club will hope his momentum continues into May and beyond. Samatta's achievement also resonates in Tanzania, where he remains a national hero and inspiration for aspiring footballers.

Looking Ahead: Can Samatta Sustain His Form?

With the season entering its final stretch, Samatta's challenge will be to maintain the level he showed in April. His early goal against Metz suggests he is regaining the sharpness that made him a star in Belgium. Le Havre's remaining fixtures will test his consistency, but the Player of the Month award signals that he has found his footing in Ligue 1. For a player who has already broken barriers across Europe, the coming weeks offer a chance to add another chapter to his remarkable story. His journey from African Lyon to Le Havre, via Mazembe, Genk, and Aston Villa, is a testament to his resilience and talent. The question now is whether he can build on this momentum and help Le Havre achieve their objectives.

The bottom line

• Mbwana Samatta won Le Havre's Player of the Month for April 2026 after scoring two goals.
• He scored his first Ligue 1 goal on April 12, 2026, and added a fifth-minute strike against Metz.
• Samatta is the first Tanzanian to score in both the Premier League and Ligue 1.
• His career includes stints at TP Mazembe, Genk, Aston Villa, and now Le Havre.
• He was Belgian Pro League top scorer in 2019 and won the Ebony Shoe award.
• The award reflects his resurgence and importance to Le Havre's season.