Departing Dieng explains mixed emotions
Matt Webb
@QPR
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SENY Dieng says he’ll take great pride in representing his native Senegal at the upcoming African Cup of Nations, following his final appearance for QPR before departing for the tournament.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper has become a vital part of a Rangers team chasing a place in the play-offs at least this season.
And after the R’s followed up a 2-1 victory at Bristol City with another at Birmingham on Sunday, Dieng told us: “It was another big win for us – we’re all delighted because it was the perfect way to start the New Year.
Of course, I would like to continue playing for QPR - but it is an incredible honour for me to go to such a prestigious tournament and represent my country.
SENY DIENG
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“Albert [Adomah] got the goal and we dominated the first half. The only thing we were missing was more goals. We should have been out of sight – three or four goals ahead.
“Thankfully, Chris [Willock] was able to show his individual brilliance to score the goal that won us the game in the end. That was well deserved.
“But the whole team defended well. We won headers and the midfielders and strikers played their part, too. We blocked crosses and that made it a quiet afternoon for me.
“Obviously, it was still annoying to concede the goal we did, though – but at least we got the win. That’s all that matters.”
Either side of a December break in fixtures owing to a Covid outbreak at the club, Rangers fell to defeat against AFC Bournemouth and Stoke City respectively.
However, the aforementioned victories over Birmingham and Bristol City have hauled the R’s back into the top six – and Seny added: “We have shown great character.
“Obviously, I am off now and I hope that the boys can keep this form up while I’m away.”
Dieng’s departure paves the way for understudies Jordan Archer and Joe Walsh to stake their claim for the number one spot.
“I think you can expect a lot from them,” he added. “The guys behind me are very good goalkeepers as well.
“I am sure they will do a good job. Hopefully I’ll return with us in an even better position.”
The length of Dieng’s absence hinges on Senegal’s progress in the tournament, with the AFCON final set to be contested on February 6th.
Regardless, he says he’ll be glued to our progress during his time in Cameroon.
“I’ll definitely be tuning in!” he continued.
“Of course, I would like to continue playing for QPR and help the team - but it is an incredible honour for me to go to such a prestigious tournament and represent my country.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
