Dynamic Diabate adds two more goals as GAIS extend unbeaten run in Allsvenskan

Ivorian striker Ibrahim Diabate continues to light up Sweden’s top flight Allsvenskan, scoring twice on Sunday in a 3-2 home victory for GAIS over Hammarby.

The former ASEC Mimosas player opened the scoring on the half hour mark for hosts GAIS, also adding a second half penalty kick and an assist on the third goal to extend the club’s unbeaten run to eight games.

Diabate pounced on a loose pass from the Hammarby defense to surge into the penalty area and roll his finish past goalkeeper Warner Hahn. Abdelrahman Boudah leveled for Hammarby early in the second half but soon after a foul in the penalty area set up Diabate to convert from the penalty spot for his second goal on the hour mark.

GAIS moved beyond reach in the 81st minute when Diabate’s pass found Amin Boudri on the left wing, who did the rest to make it 3-1. The hosts held off a late comeback effort to overcome second placed Hammarby and move into sixth place with the result.

Diabate now has eleven goals this season with Sunday’s brace extending his lead to three goals over the closest contender. The 25-year-old Ivorian also has three assists. GAIS return to action on Friday when they travel to face relegation candidates Degerfors.