Uganda Cranes striker John Paul Dembe continued to shine on the European stage, scoring for BK Häcken, though his effort wasn’t enough to stop a 2-1 defeat to French Ligue 1 side, RC Strasbourg in the UEFA Conference League at Gamla Ullevi on Thursday night.
Strasbourg started brightly, dominating possession and creating early pressure. Their control paid off midway through the first half when Martial Godo sent in a teasing cross that found Julio Enciso, who guided a fine header into the far corner for the opener.
After halftime, Häcken pushed for a response but were punished again in the 59th minute. Godo, ever dangerous, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and slotted home to double Strasbourg’s lead.
Moments later, Häcken found a way back through Dembe, who capitalized on a defensive mix-up by Mike Penders, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly finished into an empty net, a goal that reignited the home crowd.
Inspired by Dembe’s strike, Häcken pressed hard for an equaliser. Mikkel Rygaard went close with a curling effort that flew inches over the bar, but Strasbourg held on to seal the win.
The result ended Häcken’s seven-game unbeaten run and left them still searching for their first group-stage victory.
For Dembe has now scored a total of 12 goals in 40 games for BK Hacken across all competitions in 2025.
