Conference League: Lausanne’s African stars shine in victory

Swiss club Lausanne-Sport got off to a winning start in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League with strong performances from their African stars in Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Icelandic club Breidablik.

Mauritanian starlet Beyatt Lekoueiry opened the scoring from a perfect cross by Ivorian left back Sekou Fofana and another rising star, Mali’s Gaoussou Diakité, also scored in a dominant victory for hosts Lausanne. The visitors from Iceland got off to a nightmare start when Fofana had plenty of time and room to pick out Lekoueiry for a well placed header.

Canadian forward Theo Bair doubled the advantage in the 11th minute as Lausanne continued to be well in control. Diakité, the 20-year-old midfielder on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, applied the final touch to a devastating counter-attack following an unsuccesful Breidablik corner kick.

It has been a difficult start to the Swiss Super League season for Lausanne, who are currently 11th in the 12-team table through seven rounds. However, their continental campaign is going well with a winning start on Thursday. Lausanne has a firm challenge on Sunday in domestic league action when they host BSC Young Boys before taking time off for the international break. Their next Conference League test will be at Maltese champions Hamrun Spartans.

The Swiss club had six African players in their matchday squad for Thursday’s match. Lekoueiry continues to establish himself as a key player for both Lausanne and Mauritania with the forward’s fourth goal of the season. Diakité, who featured for Mali at the Maurice Revello Tournament (Toulon Tournament) over the summer, has six goals in twelve matches since joining on loan.