Newcastle target Bamba Dieng helps Senegal win AFCON

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Newcastle United’s January target Bamba Dieng helped Senegal achieve AFCON glory on Sunday night.

The Lions of Teranga faced Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations final, with Liverpool superstars Sadio Mane and Mo Salah going head-to-head in Cameroon.

In the end it was Senegal who triumphed, winning the competition for the first ever time in their history. They were runners up in 2002 and 2019.

However, the final could’ve gone either way, reaching the lottery of penalties. And that’s where Dieng played his part.

The 21-year-old started the game on the bench, but came on in the 77th minute for Famara Diedhiou. Dieng only started one game all tournament, but certainly made a sizeable impact.

He found the net twice on the way to the final, including a goal in the semis against Burkina Faso. But his biggest goal came on Sunday.

Dieng almost won it in extra time for Senegal, but had to settle for a role in the shootout. The Marseille forward was fourth to step up for Senegal, and coolly found the net to put his side on the brink of victory. For a man so young, it was a very calm and precise spot kick.

Egypt missed the following penalty, allowing Sadio Mane to convert the winner and hand Senegal their first ever Africa Cup of Nations trophy. It was elation for Senegal, but despair for Salah who didn’t even get a chance to take a penalty in the shootout.

Bamba Dieng could be one Newcastle revisit in the summer

Dieng was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in January, with Newcastle one of multiple teams apparently chasing his signature.

RMC Sport claimed that the Magpies were very interested in the forward, who was available for as little as £8.5million amid Marseille’s need for a financial boost. The Express also claimed that Newcastle were keen.

In the end, Dieng stayed in France. He remains with Marseille, who are second in Ligue 1.

Dieng currently has four goals this season in the French top tier, and will no doubt be linked with the Premier League again if he can add to that tally.

Given his age and clear potential, he’s surely a player Newcastle will eye once again in the summer. Perhaps he would’ve been a more achievable alternative to Hugo Ekitike, who turned down the Magpies on deadline day.