In a disappointing display, Amiens SC fell to ESTAC Troyes 1-0 in the 34th matchday of Ligue 2, marking a significant setback for the team. The Amiens attack, which had shown promise in recent weeks, struggled to find its rhythm, leaving fans and analysts questioning the effectiveness of their offensive strategies.
Rayan Lutin, who had been relatively quiet for several weeks, was a bright spot for Amiens, earning a rating of 6 for his performance. He showcased his mobility and technical skills, managing to accelerate the game despite being substituted in the 51st minute, likely due to a physical issue. Coach Omar Daf's decision to replace him with Krys Kouassi early in the second half raised eyebrows, as Lutin had been one of the few players creating opportunities on the field.
Alexis Sauvage stepped in for Régis Gurtner and had a commendable outing, also rated 6. He made a miraculous save in the 24th minute and another crucial stop against Youssouf M’Changama just three minutes later. However, his efforts were ultimately in vain as he could not prevent Houboulang Mendes from scoring the match's only goal in the 82nd minute.
On the flip side, Louis Mafouta, who was playing his 100th Ligue 2 match, had a game to forget, receiving a low rating of 4. Despite several chances in the first half, he failed to convert, with his first attempt coming from a long-range shot that went off target. His closest opportunity came in the 63rd minute when he missed a golden chance from close range, only to be substituted by Joan Tincres, who later missed a penalty in the dying moments of the match.
Malick Mbaye, who had been a key player in the second half of the season with five goals, struggled significantly against Troyes. Rated just 3, he was unable to replicate his previous form and was substituted for Josué Chibozo in the 69th minute. His performance was marred by technical errors and a lack of teamwork, which ultimately hindered Amiens' chances of scoring.
Rémy Vita, another player under scrutiny, received a rating of 4. He was at fault for the Troyes goal, appearing disinterested during the play that led to the score. His offensive contributions were minimal, with only two attempted crosses and one dribble, failing to utilize his position effectively.
The match took place at the Stade de l'Aube, where the atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to see if Amiens could continue their late-season surge. Unfortunately for them, the team’s away form, which has seen them lose 12 out of 16 matches in Ligue 2, proved to be their downfall once again.
As the season draws to a close, the defeat leaves Amiens SC in a precarious position, sitting at 10th in the league with only two points separating them from their opponents. This match was crucial not only for pride but also for maintaining momentum heading into the offseason.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how Amiens can regroup and address their away form, which has plagued them throughout the season. With the summer transfer window approaching, fans will be keen to see if the club makes any significant changes to bolster their squad.
In contrast, ESTAC Troyes, currently sitting in 13th place, can take confidence from this victory as they look to build on their recent form. The team had secured two wins in their last three matches prior to this encounter, and this win could serve as a springboard for their future endeavors.
The final whistle confirmed the scoreline, leaving Amiens SC to reflect on a missed opportunity and a need for improvement. As the players left the pitch, the question lingered: how will they respond to this setback as they prepare for next season?
