AFCON champion Pathé Ciss scores in Rayo Vallecano home loss

Senegal international Pathé Ciss returned from Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco with a goal in Rayo Vallecano’s heavy loss at home to Osasuna on Saturday.

🫶 ¡Te queremos, @pathe_22! #RayoOsasuna #VamosRayo pic.twitter.com/MqYOdDmBer

— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) January 24, 2026

The 31-year-old midfielder headed in an equalizing goal for Rayo in the 59th minute after Ante Budimir had put Osasuna ahead in the 29th minute.

Two late strikes, an own goal by Jozhua Vertrouwd plus another from Asier Osambela shattered Vallecano in front of their vociferous fans.

Ciss, who played in five AFCON games as the Teranga Lions stunned hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final, has now played 15 matches with a goal to his credit as Vallecano sit 14th with 22 points from 21 games.

The former Fuenlabrada midfielder played the full ninety minutes but he could not save his side from the claws of defeat. Ciss, who began his career with domestic club Diambars, has been capped 28 times by the 2-time African champions.

On the flip side, Cameroon’s Flavien Boyomo played the entire match as Osasuna climbed into 8th on the league table with 25 points.