Champions League: Abdallah Sima ruled out, Geny Catamo in the spotlight ahead of Lens-Sporting clash

13.10.26 12:45 Champions League

Lens

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Sporting CP

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Abdallah Sima and Geny Catamo scored on the opening matchday of the Champions League league phase for RC Lens and Sporting Portugal, respectively. But as their meeting approaches, scheduled for this Tuesday, October 13, their situations differ: the Senegalese forward is injured and is expected to miss several weeks of competition, while the Mozambique international is coming off a notable attacking contribution for his club.

The Senegalese had played a part in Lens’ comeback win over Slavia Prague (3-2) on September 10. Coming on as a substitute, he equalised in the 73rd minute before Florian Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar secured victory for Les Sang et Or in stoppage time.

Since then, the forward has been sidelined by a thigh injury sustained during the Senegal national team’s training camp. RC Lens announced that he would be unavailable until the end of November. Sima will therefore be unable to face Sporting in this second matchday, despite his role in his team’s opening victory.

In the league, he had made five Ligue 1 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. His absence deprives Lens of an attacking option that had made a strong start to the season.

Catamo already making a difference for Sporting

Geny Catamo had also scored on the opening day of European competition. The Mozambique international scored Sporting’s opener against Galatasaray in the 27th minute, contributing to the Portuguese side’s 3-1 victory on September 9. Luis Suárez then scored from the penalty spot before Rodrigo Zalazar sealed the win.

The 25-year-old winger also boasts notable league statistics. After eight appearances in the Primeira Liga this season, he has one goal and four assists. His contribution is therefore not limited to the Champions League: he also plays a part in creating chances for Sporting.

The trip to Lens thus represents another European engagement for Catamo, while Sima will follow the match from the treatment room. Both players began their continental campaigns with a goal, but only the Mozambique international could potentially maintain that momentum in this second matchday.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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