Arrived in the last hours of the summer mercato, Cedric Bakambu has hit hard over the weekend. For his first start with Olympiakos, the Congolese striker found the net twice. A good omen for a striker who is looking for the rebound after a mixed interlude at Marseille in France.
Piraeus could well become the new home of Cedric Bakambu. The Congolese international has perfectly started his romance with Olympiakos. For his first start this Sunday against Atromitos, the former Marseille player slammed a double. He gave the victory to his new club (2-0) during the 6th day of the championship.
Bakambu first opened the score with a penalty (45+2). The 31-year-old striker then scored the second goal in the 68th minute, in his characteristic style. The Congolese received a pass from Mathieu Valbuena before beating the goalkeeper from the edge of the box. He will give up his place four minutes later, under the ovations of a conquered public.
Doubléeeeee de Cédric! 🇬🇷#mobulute🐆 pic.twitter.com/Cqo4wGErLv
— NG 🇨🇩 (@nkoyigoals) October 2, 2022
Marseille, a disenchanted parenthesis
Last winter, Cedric Bakambu returned to Europe after four seasons in China. He signed for Olympique de Marseille. Scorer in his first match, at Lens, this choice had all the makings of a good pick. However, the adventure will turn short. In total, Bakambu will have played only 24 games with the team for 4 goals and 2 assists. Above all, the former Villarreal player had to make do with sporadic appearances, with 817 minutes of play in 24 matches (an average of 34 minutes per match).
By signing in Greece, Bakambu expects to restore his reputation. "Olympiakos is a new step in my career. I am very happy to be here, very moved. It's a transfer that was done in a hurry because we had between 24 and 48 hours to complete everything and in the end I am very happy to be here at Olympiakos. I wanted to find a new challenge. Olympiakos needed a striker so it worked (...). With Olympiakos, everything went well from start to finish. The negotiations were a success," he told the press.
Bakambu in form, good news for the Leopards
In the DRC, we necessarily watch with interest the state of form of Cedric Bakambu. The Congolese international (40 caps, 13 goals) put the selection on pause after the elimination in the World Cup playoff against Morocco. Nevertheless, it is not said that the new coach Sebastien Desabre will not do everything to bring him back to the Leopards. Knowing that he does not have a real reference in attack except for the former Marseille striker.
While waiting for a possible return to the national team, Cedric Bakambu will try to play with Olympiakos. Next appointment, next Sunday away to Ofi.
