Moyes praises Iliman Ndiaye after Everton draw: ‘It was a stunning goal’

Everton manager David Moyes has heaped praise on Senegal star Iliman Ndiaye after he scored a stunning goal to help the Premier League side secure a vital draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday.

Ndiaye’s stunning solo effort – his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign – broke the deadlock, before Granit Xhaka’s deflected strike early in the second period ultimately earned a point for the hosts.

The Lion of Teranga danced his way past three Sunderland defenders before curling a pinpoint left-foot finish to the top of the net.

‘It was a really, really good goal’

“It was a great individual goal, the way he wriggled out,’ Moyes told Everton website after the game. “He was in front of me just at the dugout and fought off a couple of challenges, got away, wriggled in, beat people and passed into the far corner. It was a really, really good goal.

“It was a wonderful goal he scored – and typical Ili. He’s got dancing feet. It was a stunning goal – old-fashioned dribbling and the finish was exquisite, nicely placed and weighted. We know he’s got that.”

There were concerns for Ndiaye after he was substituted in the 62nd minute of the contest with a suspected injury. However, Moyes remained hopeful that Ndiaye had not suffered “anything serious” and was brought off as a precaution in the second half.

“I don’t think it’s anything serious. He wasn’t sure if he was cramping up or something was tightening up so we felt it wasn’t worth taking the risk at the time.”

Ndiaye is enjoying another solid season so far for the Merseyside club, with Monday’s goal his fourth of the season.

The 25-year-old former Sheffield United star is also enjoying good form with the Senegal national team, helping the Lions of Teranga to secure 2026 World Cup qualification by providing a goal in their 4-0 victory over Mauritania as well as an assist in their 5-0 thrashing of South Sudan in October.

He is set to be in action on Saturday when The Toffees host Fulham before the next international break.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.