On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Amiens SC faced off against ESTAC in a crucial Ligue 2 encounter that ended in disappointment for the visitors, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat. This match marked the 34th round of the season and saw Amiens equaling a disheartening record with their 13th away defeat, matching the unfortunate tally from the 1984/1985 season.
Amiens SC entered the match hoping to finish the season on a high note, especially after a recent impressive home victory against Pau, where they secured a 4-2 win. However, their performance against Troyes was a stark contrast, with the team appearing timid and lacking inspiration throughout the match. Coach Omar Daf’s decision to revert to a five-man defense seemed to stifle the team's attacking potential, as captain Leautey and the defensive line struggled to make an impact.
The first half saw both teams grappling for control, but it was Troyes who created the better chances. In the 11th minute, Amiens goalkeeper Sauvage was called into action, making a crucial save against a shot from De Préville. Sauvage continued to shine, denying further attempts from Troyes in the 24th and 27th minutes, showcasing his skills and keeping his team in the game.
Despite some promising moments, Amiens struggled to find their rhythm. In the 30th minute, Detourbet nearly opened the scoring with a shot that skimmed the post, a close call that highlighted the visitors' vulnerability. Amiens did manage to regain some composure, particularly with a more organized approach led by the duo of Lobry and Lutin, but their forwards, including Mafouta, made poor choices that thwarted potential scoring opportunities.
Mafouta's frustrations were evident, especially after a missed opportunity in the 63rd minute when he failed to convert a well-placed cross from Kouassi. Luckily for him, he was saved by an offside call that negated the error. As the match progressed, it became increasingly clear that Amiens needed a breakthrough to change their fortunes.
In the second half, although Amiens displayed a slightly improved performance, it was still not enough to turn the tide. Troyes capitalized on a moment of miscommunication between Amiens defenders Monconduit and Vita, leading to the only goal of the match in the 82nd minute. Mendes found space in the box and executed a precise cross-shot that beat Sauvage, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
In the final moments of the match, Amiens had a chance to equalize when Tincres was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Talbot. However, the Monégasque failed to convert, missing the penalty in the 89th minute, which only added to the disappointment of a season that many will want to forget.
As the final whistle blew, Amiens SC found themselves finishing the season in 11th place, a disappointing result considering their aspirations to break into the top ten. The loss against Troyes not only highlighted the team's struggles away from home but also raised questions about the strategies employed throughout the season.
Reflecting on the match, Coach Omar Daf expressed his disappointment, stating, "We had the chance to finish strong, but we fell back into our old habits. We need to learn from this and come back stronger next season." With key players missing, including Gurtner, Corchia, Jaouab, Aït Boudlal, Kaïboue, and Kandil, the team will need to reassess their squad and strategies moving forward.
As the season draws to a close, Amiens SC will undoubtedly look to address the issues that plagued them, particularly their away form, as they prepare for next year’s campaign. The lessons learned from this season will be critical in shaping the future of the club as they aim to return to the competitive heights of Ligue 2.
In conclusion, while the match against ESTAC was a bitter pill to swallow, it serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for Amiens SC. With the right adjustments and a renewed focus, they can turn their fortunes around and aim for a more successful season in the future.
