Ghanaian duo Abass and Sarpei get maiden Bundesliga appearances

There were first-time appearances for Ghanaian youngsters Issah Abass and Hans Nunoo Sarpei in the German topflight on Saturday.

While Abass starred for Mainz 05, Sarpei played for VfB Stuttgart on matchday seven of the Bundesliga.

Abass, 20, was an 82nd minute substitute for Die Nullfunfer in their 0-0 home draw with Hertha Berlin at Opel Arena.

A former Ghana under-17 attacker, Abass joined Sandro Schwarz's outfit from Slovenian champions NK Olimpija in the summer.

His debut has had to wait two months into his transfer, partly due to fitness concerns.

He will be eyeing a second straight appearance when Mainz play away to Borussia Monchengladbach on October 21 after the international break.

Netherlands defender of Ghanaian descent Derrick Luckassen, meanwhile, was not listed in Hertha's matchday squad.

Elsewhere, former Liberty Professionals midfielder Sarpei made his league bow for Stuttgart in their 3-1 away defeat to Hannover 96.

The 20-year-old replaced Christian Gentner in the 84th minute but his introduction could not prevent The Reds from losing all three points at HDI Arena.

He joined Tayfun Korkut's side in 2016, making his professional debut in a German Cup clash against Borussia Monchengladbach later that year.

The defensive midfielder, however, failed to get an appearance in the Bundesliga, prompting a loan move to Slovenian side Senica last season.

Stuttgart host Borussia Dortmund in their next league game on October 20.