Trailing from the 9th minute, USL Dunkerque snatched a 1-1 draw against FC Metz: their Senegalese captain Ousseynou Sanganté equalised from the penalty spot at the second attempt, in the 64th minute.
USL Dunkerque avoided defeat against FC Metz on Friday, on the final evening of Ligue 2. Trailing very early after Fall’s opener in the 9th minute, the team responded through their Senegalese captain Ousseynou Sanganté, who equalised from the penalty spot in the 64th minute, according to Les Nouvelles du Foot.
The central defender had to take his penalty twice to beat the opposing goalkeeper. The first penalty was retaken, an episode that tested his nerves, but he did not falter at the second attempt. The point confirms his status as the leader of Dunkerque’s back line.
A penalty retaken, then converted
Metz had led since the 9th minute through Fall when Dunkerque were awarded a penalty in the 64th minute. Sanganté, central defender and captain, took responsibility. The first kick was retaken, but the Senegalese kept his cool to beat the Metz goalkeeper at the second attempt.
The goal illustrates Sanganté’s status as a leader, highlighted by Les Nouvelles du Foot. The outlet notes that the player has posted exemplary statistics in duels won and interceptions since the start of the Ligue 2 season, without giving precise figures.
“Dunkerque held Metz to a draw (1-1) on Friday in Ligue 2, Sanganté equalised from the penalty spot at the second attempt,” the outlet summarises.
Metz drop precious points
For FC Metz, the draw means dropping precious points in the race for direct promotion places to the top flight. The Metz side, presented as one of the strongest teams in the league, had nonetheless opened the scoring very early through Fall.
Late in the match, Metz stepped up their attacks. Dunkerque’s defensive combativeness, led by Sanganté, allowed them to hold out. The coach even brought on the African player Franck Atoen at the very end of the game to secure the point, again according to Les Nouvelles du Foot.
Dunkerque maintain home momentum
This positive result at home against one of the strongest teams in the league maintains Dunkerque’s momentum.
The next round of Ligue 2 will be played next weekend, with a tricky away trip on the menu for USL Dunkerque.