Sinayoko’s explosive Ligue 1 form earns praise from Mali boss Da Silva

Lassine Sinayoko’s outstanding start to the Ligue 1 season has prompted strong praise from Mali manager Anthony Da Silva, who believes the Paris FC forward remains undervalued.

Sinayoko scored twice in six minutes during Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Monaco at Jean-Bouin, then supplied the assist for Pablo Pagis’ goal as Paris FC secured an impressive win. The 25-year-old was involved in all three of his side’s goals and was subsequently named in the weekend’s African Team of the Week.

His form has made him one of the biggest surprises of the opening weeks of the campaign. After nine Ligue 1 matches, the former AJ Auxerre player has scored eight goals and provided five assists, making him the division’s leading scorer at this stage of the season.

Sinayoko’s finishing has been particularly notable. His eight goals have come from only 5.9 expected goals (xG), giving him a positive difference of 2.1 the best figure in Ligue 1 this season. His average of one goal every 98 minutes also puts him among the three most prolific forwards in the competition.

The Mali international joined Paris FC from AJ Auxerre in a deal worth 10 million euros, including bonuses, and his performances suggest he is moving into a new phase of his career.

Da Silva, who spoke to Afrik-Foot, said Sinayoko’s contribution extends beyond his goals and assists. The coach saw that for himself during his first two matches in charge of the Eagles, when Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1 and Liberia 1-0 in late September in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“Lassine Sinayoko played with a 39.5° fever,” Da Silva said, underlining the commitment he believes the forward brings to the national team as well as his ability in the final third.

For much of his career, Sinayoko’s qualities attracted relatively little attention. His scoring record this season, together with Paris FC’s fourth-place position in the Ligue 1 table, has changed that and given him a higher profile.

Da Silva now hopes the forward’s displays for Mali will further increase his standing. Sinayoko was among the first names on the manager’s list for the team’s two-legged tie against Rwanda in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

That squad was announced on Monday, with the Paris FC striker’s place reflecting both his club form and the importance Da Silva places on him in the Mali set-up.