Aiyegun Tosin ends drought with winner 44 seconds after coming on | OneFootball

Aiyegun Tosin ended a long wait for a goal by striking the winner 44 seconds after coming on as Lorient beat Lens 2-1 on Saturday. He replaced Bamba Dieng in the 65th minute at Le Moustoir.

According to L'Équipe, the 27-year-old is a popular figure at the club, and coach Olivier Pantaloni said injuries after the Africa Cup of Nations and strong competition had forced him to be patient.

He had been eased back at Lille in a 1-1 draw last Sunday after not starting since late November, a relief for a player who netted three in the first five matches, the last at Le Havre on 21 September.

Tosin said it was the first time he had scored so quickly and that he had told team-mate Kouassi in training to deliver that kind of cross. He celebrated by turning towards the stand where his wife and children were sat. He admitted the barren run had weighed on him, but praised a supportive dressing room and vowed to keep working amid fierce competition.

Montassar Talbi hailed his attitude, while Pantaloni described him as a powerful runner in behind, similar to Dieng. The coach said the goal will give Tosin more confidence for the rest of the season. Tosin hopes the internal duel up front could help Lorient climb further.

Source: L'Équipe