Aston Villa’s 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo scored on his competitive debut against Paris St-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, despite a 2-1 defeat in Salzburg. Wednesday’s match ended a 212-day wait for the teenager, who had been unable to play competitively since his £10 million transfer from Metz in January. The delay stemmed from FIFA regulations governing international transfers involving players under 18. Some exemptions permit 16- or 17-year-olds to move within the European Union, but the UK is no longer part of the bloc. Villa argued that Madjo should be exempt because he was born in London, despite his three friendly appearances for Luxembourg. The club took its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July and was finally allowed to register him at the start of this month. Initially omitted from the travelling squad, Madjo was added after Villa won its appeal. Manager Unai Emery selected him to lead the attack, with Ollie Watkins rested after World Cup duty and Tammy Abraham left on the bench. Watkins, Emi Martinez and Ezri Konsa were due to return the following week after receiving a month off. Madjo seized his opportunity against the back-to-back Champions League winners. He held off Ecuador international Willian Pacho to volley John McGinn’s cross into the net, cancelling out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s opener. PSG ultimately won through Desire Doue’s second-half goal following a VAR check, but Madjo remained a persistent threat against Brazilian centre-back and captain Marquinhos until Abraham replaced him with 18 minutes remaining. Emery praised the forward’s work rate and tactical discipline, saying Madjo had earned his opportunity through his pre-season performances. The teenager scored four goals during pre-season, including goals against Walsall and Real Sociedad. His availability gives Emery another attacking option before Villa’s Premier League opener at Brighton on August 23, while the club has also considered Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as a summer target. Madjo’s emergence offers encouragement for Villa, who won the Europa League last season. The club sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea in a record £117 million deal and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. Arsenal were also expected to step up their pursuit of defender Ezri Konsa. Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin praised Madjo’s courage and resilience. He noted that the teenager continued seeking scoring positions after sending an early free header over the bar from three yards. With England eventually needing a successor to Harry Kane, Madjo could force himself into contention in the coming years. Somali football supporters now have an added reason to follow Aston Villa and see whether Madjo can turn this performance into a regular place in the Premier League.