Senegal’s Assane Sow delivers again as Basel lose 2-1 to Sion

Assane Sow continued his impressive start to the season by providing an assist for Basel, but his contribution was not enough to prevent a 2-1 home defeat by Sion in the Swiss Super League on Thursday.

The Senegalese striker played a key role in Basel taking the lead during an entertaining sixth-round encounter, setting up Zan Celar for the opening goal in the 40th minute.

Sow’s latest contribution adds to a series of strong performances since the beginning of the campaign. He had already made a significant impact earlier in the season, scoring twice and providing an assist against Thun in the third round before finding the net against Young Boys.

Against Sion, he once again proved to be one of Basel’s most influential attacking players as the home side looked to build on his contribution and maintain control of the match.

Basel, however, saw their advantage disappear after a major turning point shortly after the hour mark.

In the 62nd minute, defender Moussa Cissé was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The French-Senegalese player had been shown his first booking only a minute earlier, leaving Basel to continue the contest with 10 men.

The dismissal changed the balance of the match and gave Sion the opportunity to put greater pressure on the hosts.

Sion eventually made their numerical advantage count in the closing stages.

Boteli Mokango brought the visitors level in the 76th minute, giving Sion renewed belief after Basel had held the lead for much of the match.

The comeback was completed only three minutes later when Mokango struck again to put Sion ahead for the first time.

Basel were unable to respond before the final whistle, leaving Stephan Lichtsteiner’s side to reflect on a defeat after initially taking control of the game.

For Sow, the result overshadowed another productive individual display. His assist for Celar’s opener means he has continued to make a direct contribution in a number of Basel’s matches this season.

The defeat leaves Basel disappointed after surrendering their advantage, with Cissé’s dismissal ultimately proving a decisive moment in a match in which Sow once again stood out for the hosts.