Malcom Dacosta scores first goal for Bournemouth in preseason rout

Malcom Dacosta is making significant strides toward the Bournemouth first team, scoring his first goal for the English club during preseason on Tuesday, August 4. The 18-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder, who also holds Spanish and Equatorial Guinean nationalities, netted in a commanding 10-1 friendly victory over Italian Serie A side Genoa.

Dacosta, who has represented Ecuador in youth selections and served as a sparring partner for the senior national team, continues to seize opportunities with the 'Cherries.' Although he had been included in first-team call-ups since late 2025, he only began consistently accumulating minutes this preseason. His senior debut occurred on July 24 in a 4-1 win against St. Pauli, followed by participation in a 5-2 victory over Augsburg.

However, it was in the friendly against Genoa on August 4 that he made his most significant impact. Coming off the bench, Dacosta immediately influenced the game. In the 80th minute, he capitalized on a loose ball inside the box, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot to score Bournemouth's eighth goal. Shortly after, he played a role in the final goal, as his long-range shot was parried by the opposing goalkeeper, with Enes Ünal converting the rebound for the 10-1 final score.

Considered one of Bournemouth's most promising talents, Dacosta has progressed through the club's academy, captaining the U-21 team to a tournament title on August 2. His development in England is closely monitored by the Ecuadorian Football Federation, with his progress in the Premier League potentially opening doors for future senior call-ups.

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All the goals as we beat Serie A side Genoa 10-1 in a pre-season friendly 🙌