Senegalese goal with Moroccan assist fails to save Rennes.. Boulaye Dia continues scoring despite defeat

08.11.26 FT Ligue 1 France

Rennes

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Lille

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Senegal international Boulaye Dia continued his impressive goalscoring form on Sunday 8 November 2026 netting his fifth Ligue 1 goal of the season despite Rennes' 2-1 defeat against Lille at Roazhon Park.

The 29 year old striker equalised in the 31st minute following an assist from Moroccan defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal cancelling out Soriba Diaoune's opener for the visitors.

However, Nathan Ngoy restored Lille's advantage in the 68th minute, condemning Rennes to their second consecutive league defeat.

Read Also: Soriba Diaoune.. Goal and assist reopen the dossier of a Guinean talent in France

Three African players combine for Rennes' equaliser

Lille took the lead in the 24th minute through Soriba Diaoune, the French youngster of Guinean origin.

Rennes responded just seven minutes later with an attacking move involving three African players.

Cameroon international Mahamadou Nagida delivered a cross from the left which Ait Boudlal redirected with a header towards Dia.

The Senegalese forward reacted quickly inside the penalty area, firing a right footed finish past Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer.

The goal highlighted the attacking contribution of Ait Boudlal who continues to establish himself as an important figure in Rennes' squad.

The 20 year old Moroccan defender has also attracted interest from several European clubs, with Foot Africa previously reporting Rennes' €40 million valuation amid interest from Fulham.

Despite their equaliser, Rennes were unable to preserve the result as Ngoy scored the winner following an assist from Diaoune.

Boulaye Dia reaches five Ligue 1 goals

Dia's latest strike took his Ligue 1 tally to five goals in the 2026 /27 campaign, continuing his resurgence since joining Rennes on loan from Lazio in September.

The Senegal international opened his league account with two late goals against Auxerre on 11 October.

He subsequently scored against Strasbourg and Nice before adding another against Lille.

His improving form comes at an important moment internationally.

Dia was included in Patrick Vieira's latest Senegal squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.

The striker's productivity offers encouragement for the Lions of Teranga, although Rennes have struggled to turn his recent goals into positive results.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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