Riza praises Cardiff's fasting match-winner Meite

Yakou Meite has scored four goals in 66 appearances for Cardiff since joining from Reading in 2023

Cardiff City manager Omer Riza praised the "great resilience" of Yakou Meite after his match-winning goal at Blackburn Rovers.

Meite came on as a substitute during the second half at Ewood Park and scored with his first touch of the game to give the relegation-threatened Bluebirds a precious 2-1 victory.

The 29-year-old forward is observing Ramadan, which means he, like other Muslims around the world, is abstaining from consuming any food or drink during daylight hours.

Ramadan takes place from 1 to 30 March this year, meaning some matches during this period have briefly paused to allow Muslim players to break their fast.

"He's been fasting so he's played the game today without eating, energy was low but he showed great character," said Riza.

"He's not been in the team a lot as well so great resilience to get up and score that header."

Meite's goal was only his second in 28 appearances this season.

It has been a difficult campaign for the Ivory Coast international, who revealed in January he had stopped applauding Cardiff's supporters after matches due to "abuse" he had received from some fans.

"He's got certain qualities, sometimes it's not what we're doing as a team," Riza added.

"But he's come on today and got that winning goal, so I'm really pleased for him."