Reims Secures Narrow Victory Over Guingamp in Ligue 2 Clash
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A hard-fought match saw Stade de Reims defeat EA Guingamp 1-0, continuing a challenging start to the 2025-26 season for the Costarmoricans.
Stade de Reims secured a 1-0 victory over EA Guingamp on Saturday, a result fueled by early pressure and a decisive goal in the 10th minute. The match highlighted Guingamp’s struggles to find consistency, particularly in translating promising attacking opportunities into tangible results.
First-Half Struggles for Guingamp
The opening stages of the match were dominated by Reims’ pressing, which disrupted Guingamp’s rhythm and led to a series of technical inaccuracies. The breakthrough came courtesy of Diarra, who expertly finished a play initiated by Teuma, putting Reims ahead early. The home side nearly doubled their advantage, with chances falling to Bojang and Zabi, but both were unable to capitalize.
Guingamp found themselves largely contained in the first half, managing only one shot on target. Amine Hemia’s free kick in the 13th minute posed little threat to Reims’ young goalkeeper, Ewen Jaouen, a product of Guingamp’s academy.
Second-Half Resurgence Falls Short
Returning from the break, Guingamp displayed a renewed sense of urgency. Sagna, returning from an injury that kept him sidelined against Le Mans, almost made an immediate impact, heading a cross from Ott towards goal. However, Jaouen produced a remarkable reflex save, pushing the ball onto the crossbar.
The offensive display improved, with Hemia and Ott demonstrating greater consistency. However, this improved performance wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit.
New Signings Face Early Tests
The match marked the first starting appearances for Guingamp’s high-profile summer signings, Abdallah and Mafouta. However, both players struggled to make a significant impact. According to reports, Abdallah, known for his attacking prowess, was largely limited to defensive duties against Sekine and Bojang, while Mafouta failed to register a single dangerous attempt on goal.
Awaiting First Victory
This defeat, following a 3-3 draw against Le Mans, underscores the difficulties Guingamp are facing at the beginning of the season. Manager Sylvain Ripoll will be looking for his team to secure their first win next week when they host Red Star on Saturday afternoon. The team’s relatively young squad, with an average age of 22 and limited experience among the substitutes, may require time to gel.
Match Details
Referee: M. Worked.
Goal: Reims – Diarra (10’).
Cautions: Guingamp – Sidibé (55’); Reims – Patrick (68’), Akieme (81’).
Reims Starting XI: Jaouen – Sekiine, Pallois, Koné, Akememe – Bojang – Gbane (Patrick, 68’), Zabi, Diarra (Tia, 61’) – Teuma (Demoncy, 85’), Syabcheu (Ibrahim, 61’). Manager: Karear Geraerts. Substitutes: Olliero (g.), Busi.
Guingamp Starting XI: Ortola – Sissoco, Commission, Demouchy, Abdallah – Siwe (61’), Louiserre (c.) (Nlandu, 82’), Sidibé, Ott (Hatchi, 73’) – Hemia (Ourga, 73’), Mafouta. Manager: Sylvain Ripoll. Substitutes: Bartouche-Selbonne (g.), Matona, Koffi.
