Le Havre AC suffered a double blow this weekend with a home defeat and a potentially serious injury to their starting goalkeeper. The Norman club lost 1-2 to Stade Brestois on Saturday at the Stade Océane, according to the match report published by Le Télégramme, in a game marked by Junior Mwanga's sending-off.
How serious is Lionel Mpasi's injury?
Lionel Mpasi, Le Havre AC's 32-year-old goalkeeper, suffered a serious injury late in the match against Brest. According to a report by Maxifoot, the Congolese international had to leave the pitch on a stretcher after a heroic save in stoppage time. The specialized site indicates the club fears an Achilles tendon rupture for their keeper, although further tests are awaited for a definitive diagnosis.
Didier Digard, the HAC manager, appeared very pessimistic when speaking to the press. "Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. He risks being out for a long time," said the technician, quoted by Maxifoot. This prolonged absence would represent a major problem for a team that has already conceded four goals in three matches and currently sits 16th in the Ligue 1 standings with just one point.
How did the match against Brest unfold?
The Saturday, September 5, 2026 match went in favor of the Bretons despite a late surge from Le Havre. Kamory Doumbia opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute for Brest, before doubling the lead in the 51st, as reported in the technical summary by Le Télégramme. Le Havre AC reduced the deficit in the 79th minute thanks to Rayan Fofana, who came on as a substitute in the second half.
The situation worsened for Didier Digard's men with the sending-off of Junior Mwanga just before halftime. This defeat brings Le Havre's record to zero wins, one draw, and two losses in three matches this season. The club has scored only two goals while its defense has conceded four, for a goal difference of -2. You can check all the team's statistics on our dedicated page.
Who could replace Mpasi in goal?
With Lionel Mpasi's likely long-term absence, Le Havre AC's technical staff must find a quick solution for the goalkeeper position. Matthieu Gallon came on for the injured player in the final minutes of the match against Brest, according to the team sheet published by Le Télégramme. The young keeper could therefore inherit the starting spot for the immediate future.
This situation comes at a delicate time in the season for the Norman club. Le Havre AC already trails league leaders AS Monaco by eight points after just three matchdays. The next away game is scheduled for November 21 against Estac Troyes, currently 9th in the table, a trip you can find in our fixtures calendar.
What is the club's situation in Ligue 1?
Le Havre AC's start to the season has been complicated with just one point earned from three matches. The team shows worrying recent form with a sequence of defeats against Lens and Brest surrounding a draw. This underperformance places the club in a delicate position in the standings, just a few points above the relegation zone.
The staff will need to quickly find solutions to reverse the trend, especially as the schedule doesn't get any easier. After the international break, HAC will face several decisive matches for their survival. The full squad's performances are available in our squad section, where you can follow each player's evolution. Le Havre AC's next official match will take place on November 21, 2026, at the Stade de l'Aube against Troyes.
