WINGER Sufianu Sillah Dibaga admitted he is "excited to keep working hard" after making his senior Saints debut in an FA Cup win over Leicester.
Sillah Dibaga, who has featured as a wing-back for the under-21s this season, replaced Sam Edozie after 62 minutes and caught the eye with his direct running.
He played an hour of football across regular and extra-time as Saints knocked out Championship Leicester 2-1, thanks to James Bree's winner.
The teenager, who signed his first professional contract with Southampton over the summer, thanked those who have helped him get here in a statement on social media.
On Instagram, Sillah Dibaga wrote: "I am absolutely delighted to have made my professional debut in a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup - a truly special moment I will never forget.
Saints progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup with five academy players on the pitch at the end! 👏#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/EbZier8MlM
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) February 14, 2026
READ: Player ratings as youthful Saints show class in FA Cup win over Leicester
"A huge thank you to my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for your incredible support and belief in me.
"I'm excited to keep working hard, improving every day, and contributing to the team's success."
Sillah Dibaga has scored twice in eight Premier League 2 appearances for Saints this season, and nearly notched an assist on debut.
He played a nice cut back to Cam Archer before the forward's first touch let him down, while Irish duo Finn Azaz and Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh also failed to take chances he created.
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