Bamba Dieng stars in Lorient’s 2-0 win over OM as team-mate urges even higher levels | OneFootball

Bamba Dieng was the driving force behind Lorient’s 2-0 defeat of Marseille on Saturday, involved in both goals and scoring the second. The former OM forward kept his celebration understated against his old club.

He drew the opener for Panos Katseris on 28 minutes, then saw Geronimo Rulli claw out his effort from another Katseris cross on 49. He made it 2-0 on 58. According to L'Équipe, his celebration was a modest arms-raise before team-mates engulfed him by the orange kop.

He broke through at OM in 2021-2023, then joined Lorient in January 2023 for seven million euros. The reboot faltered, he underwhelmed and Lorient went down to Ligue 2. A loan at Angers disappointed and he returned to Morbihan reluctantly.

This season began on the bench, then a strain in autumn. Expected to leave at the start, he stayed, bought in and rebuilt fitness after sparse minutes last year. His first start came in the Coupe de France last 32 at AS Gosier in late December, where he scored three in a 7-0.

Since January he has nine goals. Close friend Katseris tried to repay him and nearly did with that right-sided cross Rulli saved. After a Friday chat, coach Olivier Pantaloni felt the missing edge was back, and Dieng immediately acknowledged him after scoring.

Compatriot Abdoulaye Faye, who has known him since boyhood, believes he can still do more across the board. At 26, Dieng hopes this form leads to a World Cup spot.

Source: L'Équipe