Diouf Delays Hammers Return as Senegal Reach AFCON Final
West Ham United may have to wait a little longer for the return of El Hadji Malick Diouf — but with good reason. The 19-year-old left-back has helped guide Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final, following a 1-0 semi-final victory over Egypt on Wednesday.
Diouf, who joined the Hammers for £19 million in the summer, has been a noticeable absentee since jetting off to join up with his national team in late December. His presence left flank have been sorely missed, especially with West Ham struggling for consistency at the back.
The semi-final clash saw former Liverpool star Sadio Mané net the winner late on, but Diouf played a key role in the build-up and delivered a typically composed performance in what was his 16th international appearance.
Eyes on Silverware Before East London Return
Senegal now face tournament hosts Morocco in the AFCON final on Sunday 18 January, where Diouf has the chance to return to the London Stadium not just match sharp, but with a winner’s medal to his name — and a serious spring in his step.
The Lions of Teranga are aiming to reclaim the title they first lifted in 2021, and Diouf has played a crucial part throughout the tournament. For West Ham, while his extended absence is far from ideal, a confident and decorated Diouf returning in top form could prove invaluable for the second half of the season albeit perhaps a little too late.
Fingers crossed he stays injury-free. COYI!
He does seem a decent player, probably too good for what is at best a lower grade premiership team, ( at the moment) he will almost certainly be snapped up by a team with ambition, let’s face it he’s going nowhere at West Ham is he ……
Diouf has played well – just don’t let him take the corners !
He’d have still been there for the 3rd/4th play off match (waste of everybodys time) so getting to the final makes no difference to him coming back to blighty. Wish him well in the final though.