As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the atmosphere is electric at the Francis-Turcan stadium, where FC Martigues prepares to host AC Ajaccio in a crucial Ligue 2 BKT clash on March 28, 2025, at 20:00. This match is a pivotal moment for the Sang et Or, currently sitting 17th in the league with 25 points, just one point adrift of the play-off position held by Clermont and six points behind Rodez, the first team outside the relegation zone.
After a two-week international break, the Martégaux are eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2-2 draw against Pau, where they felt they let an opportunity slip away. Head coach Hakim Malek expressed the urgency of this match, stating, "We left Francis-Turcan feeling like we had unfinished business after the draw against Pau. There was a ten-minute lapse that cost us dearly, but we’ve worked hard to ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
Malek has instilled a sense of determination in his squad, emphasizing the importance of this match for their survival hopes. “We need these three points to solidify our position and breathe a little easier,” he said. His players, aware of the stakes, are ready to rise to the occasion. Karim Tlili, who scored a double against Pau, underscored the necessity of victory, saying, “There’s no room for calculations; we must win.”
On the opposing side, AC Ajaccio arrives in 11th place, having distanced themselves from the relegation battle with a strong performance in recent weeks. The Corsican club has lost only once in their last five matches, most recently securing a 2-1 victory over Red Star. Their head coach, Mathieu Chabert, acknowledged the significance of the upcoming fixture, noting, "We aim to continue our upward trajectory and make a statement at Martigues.”
Adding to the excitement of the evening, a special event will take place at halftime. Two lucky participants will have the chance to win a remarkable prize of €1000, courtesy of Betsson, by attempting to hit the skylight. Furthermore, the iconic Ali Benarbia, a legend of FC Martigues, will be present to give the fictitious kick-off, a nod to the club’s rich history and a moment sure to inspire the home crowd.
As the match draws near, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Martigues desperately needs a win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive, while Ajaccio seeks to cement their position in the mid-table and push for a top-half finish. The players are ready, the fans are buzzing, and the stage is set for an exhilarating encounter.
The referee for the match will be R. Landry, and both teams have prepared meticulously for this encounter. FC Martigues will field a lineup that includes Etilé, Hadjem, Solvet, Falette, Amraoui, Kembolo, Robin, Tlili, Orinel, Ipiélé, and Montiel, while AC Ajaccio will counter with Sollacaro, Mabépa, Vidal, Huard, Youssouf, Anziani, Pereira-da Silva, Barretto, Kanté, and Santelli.
With the match kicking off shortly, fans of both teams are hopeful for a thrilling display of football. The tension is palpable, and as the players take to the field, the hopes of the Martégaux rest on their shoulders. Can they rise to the occasion and secure a vital three points? The answer will unfold shortly at the Francis-Turcan stadium.
