Bara Ndiaye: Kompany praises youngster after Bayern debut

Senegal youngster Bara Sapoko Ndiaye played his first Bundesliga fixture for Bayern Munich as they came back from behind to secure a 4-3 win over Mainz 05 on Saturday.

Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel and Sheraldo Becker handed Mainz a comfortable half-time lead, but Bayern mounted a brilliant comeback, with Nicolas Jackson and Michael Olise finding the net before Jamal Musiala levelled the scores and Harry Kane completed the turnaround.

Vincent Kompany made eight changes to the XI that saw off Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday’s DFB Cup semifinal. Bara Ndiaye anchored a midfield featuring Raphaël Guerreiro, Leon Goretzka and Luis Díaz.

The 18-year-old Senegalese midfielder only joined the club at the start of the year from a Gambian academy, Gambinos Stars.

Mbaye showed good reaction in second half

“Such a physical game is the toughest possible test for a young player,” said Vincent Kompany about him after the game.

“It really wasn’t a game for young players, but he needs this to learn from. I thought he did quite well on the ball and kept up with the pace of the game.

“For me, there’s no responsibility on his shoulders. It’s up to the experienced players to step up. But he also showed a reaction in the second half. It was a good appearance in such a difficult game for a young player. He can be proud.”

The victory took Bayern onto 82 points from 31 matches. Munich will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg.