Champions League: Sima and Diao carry the colors of Senegal high

For their first appearance in the new edition of the Champions League, Abdallah Sima and Assane Diao made an impression. The two Senegalese internationals each found the net, contributing to the victories of Lens and Como on this first day.

Sima mercilessly against his former club

Abdallah Sima did not do his former club any favors. Opposing Slavia Prague, his first professional club, the Senegalese striker scored the equalizer for Lens, while the English had just taken the advantage after returning from the locker room.

Well placed in the area, Sima took advantage of a shot from Odsonne Édouard deflected in his direction to put the two teams back on level terms. An achievement which once again illustrates one of his main qualities: his sense of placement.

The Senegalese had already shown his effectiveness under the colors of Lens last season, notably in the Coupe de France, with five goals in five matches. He notably found the net in the final after coming on against Nice.

Back at the forefront with Lens, Sima could constitute an additional weapon for Senegal in the next international events. However, we will have to wait for the first list of the new Lions coach, Patrick Vieira, to know his plans.

Assane Diao delights with Como

For its first experience in the Champions League, Como also made a successful entry. The Italian club, led by Cesc Fàbregas, largely won against RB Leipzig (4-1), with another convincing performance from Assane Diao.

The Senegalese international joined in the celebration by scoring his team’s third goal in the 54th minute. Served by Nico Paz, Diao perfectly adjusted his shot to find the opposite net and put Como away once and for all.

The Nico Paz-Assane Diao duo, already noticed in Serie A, has therefore returned to the European scene. This victory allows Como to take a place at the top of the ranking at the end of this first day.

At only 21 years old, Assane Diao is already posting interesting statistics at the start of the season. In three appearances in Serie A, he has two goals and an assist. A dynamic which could strengthen its chances of appearing in the Senegal group for the next events, in particular the trip to Mozambique scheduled for September 25.

Boubacar DIOP