Le Havre AC fell to a 3-2 defeat at Toulouse on Saturday 19 September, a loss that leaves them 18th in the table with just two points. Didier Digard's side were overrun in the second half before mounting a fightback that proved too little, too late. This defeat confirms worrying recent form, with three losses and only two draws for zero wins from their opening five matches.
The match, started by the announcement "Allez Le Havre AC! Début de la 1ère mi-temps", was level at half-time (1-0). The game turned in a four-minute spell. Casper Tengstedt first converted a penalty in the 49th minute, then doubled the lead two minutes later from a Thomas Jørgensen assist.
The Late Reaction
Josh Maja gave HAC hope by pulling a goal back in the 71st minute, set up by Sota Nakamura. But Thomas Jørgensen restored Toulouse's two-goal cushion in the 79th. Mbwana Samatta, the club's top scorer this season with two goals, netted a second for Le Havre in the 88th. The match commentator then announced: "But pour Le Havre! M. Samatta marque. Le score est maintenant 3 - 2". There was no time for a final push.
This defeat confirms the defensive frailties of Digard's team, which has now conceded seven goals in five matches. With a record of zero wins, two draws and three losses, the club is in the relegation zone and trails leaders Monaco by eleven points. The starting eleven in a 3-4-2-1 shape could not withstand Toulouse's second-half pressure.
Several substitutions were made around the 70th minute, with Joseph Mwanga, Emmanuel Koffi and Sota Nakamura entering the fray. The latter also received a yellow card shortly after. The stats show slightly lower possession (47%) and fewer shots on target than the opposition.
The next away trip is scheduled for 10 October at Lille, who currently sit fourth. The upcoming fixtures will be key for climbing out of the bottom three. Check the current squad and the latest standings to follow the situation.
This story first appeared at Havre Athletic Club
