AC Ajaccio pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday night, defeating FC Metz 1-0 with a last-minute goal from Ben Hamed Touré at Stade Saint-Symphorien. The victory came as the teams appeared set for a stalemate until Touré capitalized on a rare mistake from Metz's goalkeeper, Arnaud Bodart, scoring at the 91st minute to secure all three points for his team.
This win marks Ajaccio's fifth victory out of their last six matches, allowing them to climb to 11th place in the Ligue 2 standings. The result is particularly significant considering Metz was one of only two teams remaining undefeated at home this season, alongside SC Bastia. Coming off their defeat against Laval earlier, the pressure was even greater on Metz to solidify their position for promotion.
Despite being the favored team and pushing for second place, Metz struggled throughout the match against Ajaccio's resilient defense. From the outset, things looked challenging for Ajaccio as Metz created several early scoring opportunities. Idrissa Gueye struck the post just ten minutes in, and shortly afterward, Gauthier Hein followed suit, hitting the woodwork with a 30-meter effort. Ajaccio's goalkeeper, Léo Quilichini, was forced to remain vigilant as Metz sought to assert their dominance.
The first half saw Metz controlling the ball and creating various chances, but Ajaccio's defense held firm. They faced numerous threats, especially with Metz's forward Moussa Soumano, whose potential goal was nullified by offside rules. Throughout these exchanges, Ajaccio exhibited commendable discipline, and they managed to absorb pressure without conceding.
After halftime, Metz ramped up their offensive efforts, continuously bombarding Ajaccio's goal. Cheik Sabaly and Gueye were instrumental in this pressure, yet Ajaccio's well-organized defense remained resolute, frustrating the home side's attempts to break through.
Then came the turning point of the match. Bodart misjudged the flight of the ball during the closing stages, struggling to clear it effectively. The slip-up allowed Ben Hamed Touré, who had only entered the game as a substitute, to pounce on the loose ball and push it across the line, securing a remarkable victory for his team.
Touré's last-minute intervention drew ecstatic celebrations from the visiting supporters, highlighting his emergence as something of a 'super-sub' for Ajaccio, following his previous scoring performance against Laval last week.
With this triumph, the stakes have heightened for both teams as they look to navigate the remainder of the season. Ajaccio now boasts 30 points, five above the relegation zone, and the team is gaining momentum as they prepare for their next match against Dunkerque on March 3. Meanwhile, Metz will now have to regroup as they attempt to reclaim their position among the top contenders.
Ben Hamed Touré's dramatic late goal will surely be remembered not just for its timing but also for how it affected the league standings. The emotions displayed on the field—a mix of heartbreak for Metz and jubilation for Ajaccio—speak volumes about the highs and lows of the competitive nature of Ligue 2.