Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw dropped as Le Havre turn to Lionel Mpasi

Mory Diaw will no longer be Le Havre AC’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Democratic Republic of Congo international Lionel Mpasi set to take his place at the start of the Ligue 1 season.

Le Havre manager Didier Digard confirmed the change in goalkeeping hierarchy during a press conference on Friday, two days before his side host AS Monaco in their opening league fixture on Sunday at 15:15 GMT.

Diaw was Le Havre’s regular goalkeeper last season, making 30 appearances for the club.

However, uncertainty surrounding the 33-year-old’s future has contributed to a change in his position within the squad.

Digard has now decided to move Mpasi ahead of the Senegal international, giving the Congolese goalkeeper the opportunity to begin the new Ligue 1 campaign as the club’s number one.

The decision marks a significant change for Diaw, who had established himself as Le Havre’s starting goalkeeper during the previous season.

The Senegalese international was also the number two goalkeeper for his country at the World Cup, but he will now begin the domestic campaign behind Mpasi at club level.

Mpasi’s elevation follows his strong performances at the World Cup with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Those displays have helped the goalkeeper move into contention for the starting position at Le Havre, with Digard opting to hand him the responsibility ahead of Diaw.

The change comes just days before Le Havre begin their Ligue 1 campaign against Monaco, meaning Mpasi is expected to take his place between the posts for the opening match.

Digard addressed the goalkeeper situation as part of a wider press conference on Friday, confirming that Mpasi would move ahead of Diaw in the pecking order.

The decision leaves Diaw facing a different role at Le Havre after he featured in 30 league matches last season.

For Mpasi, meanwhile, the change provides an opportunity to establish himself as Le Havre’s first-choice goalkeeper following his performances with Congo.

The situation also adds another layer to the start of the new Ligue 1 season for Le Havre, who will face Monaco in their opening fixture.

With Digard having made his decision, Mpasi is now set to begin the campaign as Le Havre’s starting goalkeeper, while Diaw will have to wait for another opportunity to reclaim his place.

The change represents an important decision for the French club ahead of the new season, with the manager choosing to put his faith in Mpasi after his strong World Cup showing.