Paul Mendy scores first goal but Cagliari exit cup

Cagliari’s Coppa Italia campaign is over, but Paul Mendy has opened his account for the season and strengthened his case for a bigger role in the team. The 19-year-old forward scored in the last-16 tie against Hellas Verona, although his effort did not prevent elimination.

Mendy started the match and levelled the score in the 57th minute. Alieu Fadera supplied the ball, allowing the striker to attack it inside the area and beat the Verona goalkeeper. Cagliari had fallen behind in the 23rd minute before Mendy brought the Sardinian side back into contention.

Verona delivered the decisive blow three minutes from the end, with Samuele Mulattieri scoring in the 87th minute to secure a 2-1 victory. The result ended Cagliari’s progress in the competition, while Mendy’s performance gave substance to the ambitions he expressed during the club’s pre-season preparations in July.

The goal was his first of the campaign and follows the strong beginning he made with Cagliari’s senior side last season, when he scored twice in his first start. His latest finish keeps attention on a young attacker who has already shown he can influence matches despite the cup exit.