Mikayil Faye: Barcelona Youngster Scores Belter on Senegal Debut, Celebrated by Aliou Cisse

• Mikayil Faye has been handed his Senegal debut
• The Barcelona youngster scored against Gabon
• He is expected to play against Benin on Tuesday

Barcelona youngster Mikayil Faye hogged the headlines on his international debut after scoring a goal-of-the-year contender in Senegal's friendly against Gabon.

The 19-year-old defender was handed his debut by Aliou Cisse after an impressive campaign with Barcelona's B team.

Faye started as Senegal put behind them a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations by rebuilding a new team with their youngsters in Europe.

The teen sensation wasted no time in announcing his presence in the Teranga Lions team after netting a belter to double Senegal's lead in the game.

In a video shared on social media, Faye fired from 40 yards to beat the Gabonese goalkeeper, registering his maiden goal for Senegal.

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The versatile defender has caught the attention of several clubs in Europe despite just getting started at the Catalan giants.

Meanwhile, Aaron Appindangoyé early own goal and a late goal from Sadio Mane sealed victory in style for the former African champions.

Faye will be hoping to add another appearance to his international career when Senegal faces Benin on Tuesday.

Aliou Cisses praises Faye's quality

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has lavished praise on defender Mikayil Faye following his impressive outing on his international debut.

The Barcelona B defender scored a 'magnificent' debut goal as Senegal cruised to a 3-0 win against Gabon in France.

“Mikayil Ngor Faye scored a magnificent goal. We can only congratulate him because he is a boy who has a lot of qualities. It makes me happy that he had a good match, at least a decent performance," he said as quoted by Wiw Sport.

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Cisse replies critics after contract extension

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse replied critics after questioning the decision of the federation to extend the coach's contract after exiting the Africa Cup of Nations at the round of 16.

Cisse will remain the coach of the Teranga Lions until 2025, where he is expected to lead the team back to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal were hoping to defend their AFCON title in Ivory Coast but were eliminated by the hosts on penalties. Senegal had won all their group games before the defeat to Ivory Coast.