Yéhvann Diouf eyes Coupe de France opportunity after losing starting role

Yéhvann Diouf is looking to the Coupe de France as a route back into the starting line-up at OGC Nice after slipping to second choice following his return from international duty.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper was part of Senegal’s triumphant Africa Cup of Nations campaign, lifting the trophy on 19 January.

Although he did not feature during the tournament, serving as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy throughout the seven matches played by the Lions of Teranga, Diouf returned to France with renewed confidence.

However, his club situation has since shifted. On 25 January, he was named among the substitutes for Nice’s 4-1 victory over Nantes. The decision was widely viewed as understandable, given that he had not completed a full week of training following his international commitments.

Four days later, Diouf was restored to the starting line-up for Nice’s Europa League encounter against Ludogorets.

Despite the team’s 1-0 defeat, the Senegal international delivered a steady performance in goal, showing signs of sharpness after his time away.

Since then, Maxime Dupé has been preferred as Nice’s first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Diouf in a supporting role.

The change marks a notable contrast to his status before the Africa Cup of Nations, when he had been an undisputed starter.

The Coupe de France now presents a potential opportunity for Diouf to reassert his claim. With rotation often expected in domestic cup competitions, the tournament could provide him with valuable minutes and a platform to demonstrate his readiness.

For Diouf, the coming fixtures may prove decisive. After celebrating continental success with Senegal, he is now focused on regaining momentum at club level and challenging for his place once again in Nice’s starting eleven.