Hamza Igamane made an immediate impact on his Ligue 1 debut, scoring twice in Lille’s emphatic 7-1 win over Lorient on Saturday, August 30.
The 21-year-old Moroccan forward, who recently joined Lille, started the match on the bench but was introduced by coach Bruno Genesio at the start of the second half with the game still goalless.
Though quiet in his initial minutes on the pitch, Igamane struck decisively late in the game, netting his first goal in the 80th minute after pouncing on a rebound to head the ball past the Lorient goalkeeper.
His confidence was evident moments later when he sealed his brace in stoppage time, converting in the 93rd minute to underline a dream debut. Igamane’s performance showcased his instinctive finishing ability and added another layer of attacking depth for Lille.
Lorient briefly threatened to stage a comeback after Aiyegun Tosin pulled one back for the hosts in the 64th minute. The Beninese forward finished neatly following a well-placed assist from Senegalese winger Sambou Soumanou.
Their combination brought a moment of hope for Lorient, but Lille quickly reasserted control, ultimately overwhelming their opponents.
Norwegian playmaker Osame Sahraoui added further gloss to the scoreline with a late strike in the 95th minute, capping a dominant performance from the visitors.
The win highlighted Lille’s attacking prowess and marked a promising start for Igamane, whose quick adaptation to French football could prove crucial as the season progresses.
For Lorient, the heavy defeat raised concerns, particularly in defence, as they struggled to contain Lille’s relentless pressure.
Igamane’s heroics ensured he stole the spotlight, while contributions from Sahraoui, Tosin, and Soumanou emphasised the influence of African talent across both teams in a thrilling Ligue 1 encounter.
