Aliou Dieng’s final outing before travelling to Valencia as new signing | OneFootball

Aliou Dieng captained Mali in a 2-0 defeat to Iran in Antalya, Türkiye, his first full match since 31 March. It followed a curtailed run at Al Ahly once his Valencia move was agreed.

According to Superdeporte, Valencia finalised the signing in late March after weeks of wrangling, with Al Ahly pushing hard to keep the 28-year-old. The Danish coach Jess Thorup then benched him in four of the last six play-off fixtures.

When the deal was sealed, Dieng was with Mali in Saint Petersburg, where he wore the armband in a 0-0 draw with Russia on 31 March. Back at Al Ahly he played only the first half against Cleopatra, was unused versus Smouha four days later, and started against Pyramids for 60 minutes. In May he came on for 30 minutes against Zamalek, the second half against Enppi and 28 minutes against Al-Masry.

In Antalya’s Aksu multi-purpose stadium, Iran, placed in Group G of the World Cup, showed greater sharpness and won 2-0 through Saeid Ezatolahi on 12 minutes and Ramin Rezaeian on 55. Mali lacked efficiency and clarity in the final third.

Mali are in camp in Türkiye with their midfield considered a strength, though they missed the 2026 World Cup from a group led by Ghana. They are between head coaches after Tom Saintfiet, with Dieng remaining a key figure.

This was set to be Mali’s only friendly of the window, played behind closed doors, before players head on holiday ahead of club pre-seasons. The Eagles of Bamako begin 2027 AFCON qualifying in September. Dieng will report to Valencia in early July under Carlos Corberán.

Source: Superdeporte