Waris Set for Lorient Debut as Bastia Visit the Moustoir
By BBC Sport
FC Lorient will host Sporting Bastia at the Stade du Moustoir this Sunday in their second Ligue 1 fixture of the season, with fans eager to catch a first glimpse of new signing Abdul Majeed Waris in action.
The Ghanaian striker, who joined from Turkish side Trabzonspor, was unavailable for selection in Lorient’s opening-day draw against Lyon (0-0), but has now completed his first full week of training with his new teammates. Head coach Sylvain Ripoll is expected to include Waris in the matchday squad as Lorient aim to kick-start their campaign with a win on home soil.
Waris is no stranger to French football, having made a notable impact with Valenciennes during the 2013–14 season, where his sharp movement and eye for goal caught the attention of several clubs.
Another summer signing, Cameroonian forward Benjamin Moukandjo, will also be in contention, and the pair are seen as key to filling the void left by Jordan Ayew, who departed the club for Aston Villa. Though Waris and Moukandjo are expected to shoulder the attacking burden, Ripoll has cautioned that the duo will need time to fully integrate and form an understanding on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Lorient will be without Algerian international Mehdi Mostefa, who has been left out of the squad for reasons described by the club as “non-sporting.” The omission appears to confirm reports of an imminent move to Bastia, their opponents this weekend.
