Bamba Dieng scores again to continue path to redemption at FC Lorient

Former Senegal national team regular Bamba Dieng has now scored in his last four matches for French Ligue 1 club FC Lorient after opening the scoring in Friday’s 3-1 victory at Monaco.

BUUUUTTT de Bamba Dieng !!!

68′ I 0-1 I #ASMFCL pic.twitter.com/r2yq9owPMC

— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) January 16, 2026

Ever since his last appearance with the Senegal national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the 25-year-old has endured a series of leg injuries that have limited his impact for both club and country.

However, after a particularly difficult stretch, a productive loan spell last season with Angers followed by strong performances against lower division teams this season in the Coupe de France is helping the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champion find his form in Ligue 1 as well.

In the 68th minute on Friday, Dieng burst into space after controlling a headed pass from Bamo Meïté and finished past Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn (Click here to watch the goal). Ansu Fati equalized for the hosts about ten minutes later but a late surge ended in victory for the visitors courtesy of goals from Jean-Victor Makengo and Togolese international Dermane Karim.

Dieng now has has a remarkable seven goals in his last four matches. Four goals in a 7-0 Coupe de France romp over Guadeloupean side AS Le Gosier began the strong run for the Senegalese, who followed it up by coming off the bench to score his first Ligue 1 goal of the season in a 1-1 draw at Metz. Two more goals arrived last Saturday against lower division side Hauts Lyonnais in the Coupe de France.

Coach Olivier Pantaloni rewarded Dieng with his first Ligue 1 start of the 2025-26 season on Friday and the former Marseille attacker is establishing a role with his rich vein of form. Taking advantage of several injuries in the squad as well as the absence of a few players due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, it appears that Dieng is earning the trust of the coach for bigger challenges as Lorient attempt to avoid relegation.

Les Merlus are now in 12th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone. Next up for Dieng and his club in Ligue 1 is a trip to Stade Rennais next Saturday.