Following a spirited campaign with the Syli National in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, Guinean defender Ibrahim Diakité has rejoined his Stade de Reims teammates in France for the remainder of the season. Diakité, who played a pivotal role for Guinea in the continental tournament, is set to resume club duties, bringing his newfound experience and form back to Ligue 1.
After a commendable stint in the AFCON 2023, where he showcased his defensive prowess and earned the Man of the Match accolade in the quarter-finals against Equatorial Guinea, the 20-year-old defender returned to training with Stade de Reims on Tuesday, February 6.
Diakité had temporarily parted ways with his club at the beginning of January to join his compatriots in Abu Dhabi for pre-tournament preparations.
Although Guinea’s Syli National bowed out in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2023, the tournament proved instrumental in elevating Diakité’s profile.
Regularly featuring on the pitch during the group stage matches, he delivered standout performances that earned him a full-game role in the knockout rounds.
Now, speculation arises about Diakité’s potential inclusion in Stade de Reims’ lineup for the upcoming Ligue 1 clash against Lorient on Sunday, February 11.
Having recently recovered from a prolonged injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks before his national team call-up, Diakité’s triumphant return to the domestic league is anticipated.
Will Still, the manager of Stade de Reims, may consider Diakité’s impressive form and contribution to Guinea’s AFCON 2023 journey when finalizing the matchday squad.
This season, the former KAS Eupen player has tallied only six club appearances, accumulating 197 minutes on the field.
Stade de Reims currently holds the 7th position in Ligue 1 standings with 30 points, and Diakité’s return promises to inject renewed strength into the squad as they navigate the challenges of the French top-flight competition.
