On the bench at the start of this first day of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations, Iliman Ndiaye made his debut against Benin. A first appearance under the colors of Senegal which nourishes hopes for the future.
We expected a surprise from Cissé in his starting lineup with a tenure from Sheffield United player Iliman Ndiaye, the new Senegalese international. But the Blades striker was only able to step onto the pitch in the 67th minute in place of Boulaye Dia. A change position for position which was not really expected in this meeting.
Indeed, given his technical qualities and his versatility, we were more expecting a positioning in the axis just behind the leading striker in a 4-2-3-1 system. Or more in a number 10 position that has long been lacking for the Lions. But put in the position of top striker, Iliman Ndiaye often stalled in this match to come and touch the ball in midfield and participate in the game.
The neo-international could even have scored his first goal from his first selection, but he lacked a bit of spontaneity in his action. For the coach, Aliou Cissé, his entry into the game was interesting. “Satisfied ! I am satisfied ! Iliman was very happy to be here. He had very very big eyes since the beginning of the week… He is a boy who has quality, capable of playing everywhere. He has a good mentality, so yes we will continue to follow him”spoke Aliou Cissé in a post-match press conference on Iliman Ndiaye.
wiwsport.com