Noah Mbamba impresses on first Lorient start as interception sparks 1-0 win at Lens | OneFootball

Noah Mbamba marked his first Lorient start with an impressive display at Lens, helping secure a 1-0 victory and triggering the move for Mamadou Koné’s winner at Bollaert on Saturday.

L'Équipe highlights that the 21-year-old offers a fresh option alongside Noah Cadiou and Arthur Avom in midfield.

Mbamba pounced in front of Yacine Titraoui to intercept Ismaëlo Ganiou’s loose pass, rode Amadou Haidara’s challenge, then clipped a ball to Panos Katseris, who set up Koné for the decisive goal.

On loan from Bayer Leverkusen after one and a half years at Dender with 46 matches, he started next to Cadiou. He covered ground relentlessly and, in 67 minutes, led the match with seven recoveries.

Head coach Alexandre Dujeux praised his attitude, potential and power, while stressing he is not yet at 100 per cent. He said starting Mbamba made sense as Arthur Avom had missed a few sessions and the midfielder had trained well, adding that healthy competition will benefit the squad.

Koné admired his composure in all situations. Captain Montassar Talbi pointed to his calm despite his age, his 1.87 m frame, and the smart choices evident in the goal move, noting that newcomers taking their chance can lift Lorient’s level.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”