Sofiane Boufal is eager to make up for lost time after Southampton debut
Thursday 27 October 2016 10:50, UK
Sofiane Boufal is out to make up for lost time after a stunning home debut for Southampton.
The Morocco international, Saints' record £21m summer signing, was out injured for the first two months of the season, but he marked his belated full debut with a fabulous goal as Claude Puel's side beat Sunderland 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
In the 66th minute of what had until then been a dull encounter, Boufal brought an up-and-under down with one sublime touch. He then stepped around full-back Billy Jones and curled an unstoppable shot over the diving Jordan Pickford and inside the far post.
"It was a beautiful goal and I'm so happy to score my first goal at St Mary's," Boufal told the club website.
"I want to say thank you for the support of all the fans who came. I'm so happy to play 90 minutes as it's good for the confidence and for my body. It was a great night for me.
"The spirit is very strong. My team-mates are so happy for me because they see me come into the club when I couldn't play.
"Now they see me score this goal and they're happy for me so I'd like to say thank you to them and to all the medical staff. The goal isn't just for me it's for everyone."
