Le Havre AC snatched a precious point in the dying minutes at Toulouse on Saturday. Mbwana Ally Samatta equalised in the 88th minute to seal a 3-2 draw, providing a vital boost for a team still in the relegation zone.
David Digard set his side up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Geoffrey Gallon in goal. The first half ended goalless, but the game turned shortly after the break. Casper Tengstedt opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, before doubling the lead just two minutes later from a Thomas Jorgensen assist.
Le Havre responded with spirit. The introduction of Sota Nakamura in the 69th minute paid dividends. The Japanese midfielder set up Josh Maja, who pulled a goal back in the 71st minute. Hope was short-lived, as Thomas Jorgensen restored Toulouse's two-goal advantage in the 79th. But the Normans did not give up. In a final push, Mbwana Ally Samatta found the net in the 88th minute to secure the draw.
The key man: Samatta, the saviour
The Tanzanian striker was decisive when all seemed lost. His late strike allowed Le Havre to leave the Stadium with a point, key for morale ahead of a difficult international break. This positive offensive display, with two goals scored, contrasts with persistent defensive issues.
This result leaves Le Havre AC in 16th place in the league with just two points from four matches. The record stands at two draws and two defeats, with two goals scored and four conceded. The team is eleven points behind leaders Monaco. The next challenge is a perilous trip to Lille, who are second in the table, on October 10th. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the league situation on our standings page.
Le HAC confirmed on Sunday that the late equalizing goal on Saturday was scored by Mbwana Ally Samatta. The club specified that the goal occurred in the 88th minute, as per the league's official data. This point does not change the club's standing, which remains 17th with 2 points after five matchdays. The record is now four goals scored and seven conceded. The next fixture is scheduled for October 10th.
