Many Africans have distinguished themselves this weekend in the various European championships. Some of them could have won the award of African MVP of the weekend, like Victor Osimhen who scored a hat-trick. The choice is finally made on Bamba Dieng who scored his first goal of the season.
Bamba Dieng answered present. Starting for the first time this season in Strasbourg on Saturday, the Senegalese international (11 caps, 1 goal) scored his first goal after only eight minutes. Even if Olympique de Marseille conceded a 2-2 draw, the Diambars-trainee seized the opportunity (finally) that was given to him.
A response full of character for the young striker. But this should not surprise his teammate Pape Guèye. The latter already gave a glimpse of the mental stability of Bamba Dieng when he had no playing time. "Bamba is motivated as ever. He is 100% physically. He wants to show all his qualities. It's a club he loves. He dreamed of it as a kid. He has shown good things, but he is not satisfied; he wants to get back into the competition, I hope it will unblock."
Absent from the squad for the first 8 games of Ligue 1, Dieng only made his first appearance on September 30 in Angers (6 minutes of play). He then made several appearances against Ajaccio (13 minutes), Paris (11 minutes) and Lens (14 minutes). In total, he has played 123 minutes this season, including his 79 minutes in Strasbourg. It remains to be seen if this confidence will be present in the next games, especially next Sunday against Lyon.
#Ligue1 🇫🇷 - Le voilà le premier but de la saison pour Bamba Dieng ! 😍🇸🇳
Peu utilisé par Igor Tudor jusqu’à présent et poussé vers la sortie lors du dernier mercato estival, le Sénégalais vient de prouver qu’il fallait encore compter sur lui avec ce but plein d’opportunisme 👊 pic.twitter.com/SlLZN5Vev4
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) October 29, 2022
Revenge on Tudor
However, this summer, Bamba Dieng had to think of everything except scoring for OM in October. Pushed towards the exit, the 22-year-old player initially refused any option to leave. But, faced with the will of the leaders to bring in money, and a coach who did not call him in the group, the Senegalese finally agreed to pack up. But, after several twists and turns, his departure, first to Leeds and then to Nice, was not successful.
It is therefore with good morale that Bamba Dieng has returned to the pro group of OM with very few prospects in sight. Not registered for the Champions League, the African champion will however get some playing time in Ligue 1. Igor Tudor has decided to give him a chance. "I have always believed in the quality of Bamba Dieng. He is part of the squad. He is one of our three strikers with Sanchez and Luis Suarez. Everyone will have playing time," said the Croatian coach in September.
Good news for Senegal
Author of 8 goals and 3 assists in 36 appearances with Olympique de Marseille, Bamba Dieng is again part of the plans of the Phocéens. Another man must have also jumped for joy on Bamba Dieng's goal: a certain Aliou Cissé. The coach of the Lions of Teranga had warned him about his playing time. The performance of his colt and his growing playing time should reassure him as the World Cup 2022 (November 20-December 18) approaches.
