TOPS
The return of Moses Simon, African vice-champion with Nigeria, is of great benefit to FC Nantes, winner of Lorient on Saturday (0-1) for the 23rd day of Ligue 1. Placed at the head of the attack Alongside Mostafa Mohamed, he led most of his team’s actions, and was the number one source of danger. Ivan Mvogo, the Lorient goalkeeper, held him in check twice in the first half, so Moses Simon did what he does best, be the passer. For the sixth time this season, the Canary delivered the decisive ball after a small festival on his left wing. At the reception, the unexpected Jean-Charles Castelletto took care of the rest.
Mostafa Mohamed came off injured at half-time, so Jean-Charles Castelletto took over in his place. At the conclusion of the wonderful ball delivered by Moses Simon, the Cameroonian made a pure attacking move. On one foot, the defender made a volley that was not very academic, but very effective and deceived Ivon Mvogo. Thanks to this improvised goal from number 9, Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men pocketed three important points. Retraining in approach?
Despite the Lorient players’ serious start, they were somewhat disrupted around the quarter-hour mark, during which Ivon Mvogo stood out. Faced with a leggy Moses Simon, the Swiss deployed twice. First on the Nigerian’s vicious rebound from 20 meters, then face-to-face thanks to a good outing on the Nantes winger. He also made a nice reflex save on a corner. Unfortunately, Mvogo was only delaying the deadline.
FLOPS
With a series of 5 goals in his first 4 matches, Mohamed Bamba is undoubtedly the strong man of the Lorient comeback. Since his arrival this winter, he has been the X factor of his team, but not this Saturday evening. Opposed to a 5-man defense led by an imperial Nicolas Pallois, the Ivorian was invisible. He nevertheless had a good opportunity at the start of the match. But facing Alban Lafont, the Nantes goalkeeper, number 9 shot too hard and his shot flew into the stands. After that, nothing more. Author of an XXL performance, Nicolas Pallois took good care of his case, and the Merlus scorer remained silent.
Coming into play at half-time in place of Mostafa Mohamed, Tino Kadewere was not at the level of the Egyptian holder. After the opening score, the Canaries did everything to maintain the result, contenting themselves with a few opportunities on the counter, all without success. The Zimbabwean touched few balls, missed a key pass for Moses Simon (52nd) and missed a one-on-one with Ivon Mvogo, shooting wide at the end of the match. His entry will not be remembered.