Le Havre AC was defeated 2-1 by Stade Brestois this Saturday at the Stade Océane, suffering their second Ligue 1 loss of the season. Brest, thanks to a brace from Kamory Doumbia, secured their first victory of the campaign, as reported by L'Equipe Football.
This result leaves Le Havre in 16th place in the standings, with just one point from a possible nine after three matches. The club has scored two goals and conceded four, for a goal difference of -2. They are already eight points behind the leader, AS Monaco.
How did the match unfold?
Brest took the lead very early in the game. After a missed header from Le Havre's Josh Maja in the 4th minute, Ludovic Ajorque won a penalty for the visitors after being fouled by Havrais goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Kamory Doumbia converted the spot-kick in the 12th minute. Le Havre reacted and Mbwana Samatta hit the crossbar two minutes later. Chances then followed in front of Mpasi's goal, with the keeper making several saves from shots by Papé Mboup, Hugo Magnetti and Mama Baldé before halftime. The turning point came at the very end of the first half, with the sending off of Junior Mwanga for holding back Baldé.
Down to ten men, Le Havre conceded a second goal in the 51st minute. Mama Baldé set up Kamory Doumbia, who doubled the lead after a dummy from Ludovic Ajorque. Les Ciel et Marine pulled one back through Rayan Fofana from the penalty spot in the 79th minute, earned by Enzo Koffi who was fouled by Luc Zogbé. In stoppage time, a lob attempt from Joris Chotard forced a save from Mpasi, who was injured in the process and had to be replaced by Gauthier Gallon.
Why was Kamory Doumbia the difference-maker?
Brest attacker Kamory Doumbia was the man of the match with his brace. His opening penalty and his goal from open play make him the top scorer in Ligue 1 after three matchdays, with four goals. This is the third time in his career he has scored at least two goals in a Ligue 1 match, after a four-goal haul against Lorient in December 2023 and a brace against Lille in August 2025. His form is on the rise, with four goals in his last three matches, after scoring just one in his first twelve appearances in 2026.
What is Le Havre's situation after this match?
With a record of one loss, one draw, and another loss, Le Havre AC must quickly find points to climb out of the dangerous zone. The schedule doesn't stop, and the next challenge is a difficult away trip to face Estac Troyes, currently 7th, on November 21, 2026. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. There is significant room for improvement, especially in defense where the four goals conceded weigh heavily. The squad's fitness status is available on the squad page.
What are the prospects for the rest of the season?
Le Havre AC has a mixed record at the start of the season, with promising performances but a lack of efficiency in both boxes. Rayan Fofana's goal, his first of the season, is a positive point to take from this match. However, the sending off of Junior Mwanga and the injury to Lionel Mpasi at the end of the match complicate preparations for the next game. The technical staff will need to find solutions to be more solid collectively and capitalize on chances created. The next away game at Troyes will be an important test to gauge the team's progress. The evolution of the standings can be followed on our standings page. Le Havre AC will play their next official match away against Estac Troyes on November 21.
