Tino Kadewere has revealed his relief at finally scoring his first goal of the season for Olympique Lyon after a frustrating start to the 2021/22 French Ligue 1 season.
The Zimbabwe international has struggled to get regular game time at Lyon this term due to injuries and poor form.
Kadewere was handed a rare start away at Lens on Saturday – his first since October – in the absence of the suspended French international Moussa Dembele.
And he repaid the faith in him by getting off the mark in the 1-1 draw at Lens.
The former Harare City player Kadewere equalised for Lyon just before halftime when he turned in Karl Toko Ekambi’s pinpoint cross to the back post.
Lens had opened the scoring in the 13th minute through defender Jonathan Clauss, who smacked in the rebound after goalkeeper Anthony Lopes saved striker Arnaud Kalimuendo’s shot.
Speaking after the game, Kadewere, who was substituted in the 75th minute said he was happy to score and that his confidence is coming back.
“I’m happy to have scored; I’m regaining confidence,” he said after the match.
“It was a difficult match. We took a point, but we need more. We knew it was not going to be easy playing in this stadium. We have to stay focused for the next games,” he said.
Lyon coach Peter Bosz, said he is hopeful the goal will help Kadewere rediscover his form.
“We always want to win. The start of the match was tough, but the second half was better. The draw is deserved. We are progressing. Lens were aggressive and pressed hard. This goal can be a release for Tino — I’m happy for him,” the Dutch coach said.
🎙 @Tino_Kadewere_ after #RCLOL: "It was a difficult match. We took a point, but we need more. We knew it was not going to be easy playing in this stadium. We have to stay focused for the next games. I'm happy to have scored; I'm regaining confidence." pic.twitter.com/sGDsUBmQUC
— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) February 19, 2022