On a positive dynamic after two consecutive successes in the league and a victory in the 7th round of the Coupe de France, FC Metz faced Clermont Foot 63 on home soil, this Friday, November 22. A clash between relegated players, oh so decisive, which launched the final sprint of the Garnets for the year 2024.
Returning from the international break, Stéphane Le Mignan made a few changes and decided to renew his confidence in four players lined up from the start in the match against Obernai: Kevin Van Den Kerkhof, Joel Asoro, Simon Elisor and Ibou Sané. A completely revamped attack therefore advanced at the Stade Gabriel-Montpied. On the Auvergne side, a face well known to Messins was placed at the forefront: Maïdine Douane!
But it was indeed Jessy Deminguet who tried his luck first (4th). Perfectly served by Gauthier Hein, the garnet middle unfortunately did not catch the target. A quarter of an hour into the game, the Clermontois obtained a free kick on the edge of the Metz area. Kicked by Baïla Diallo, this set piece found Mehdi Baalouj. The latter placed a reverse header to deceive the Metz defense. Picked cold, the Garnets struggled to build after this Clermont opening score (1-0, 14th).
Following a sublime opening from Jessy Deminguet, the ball arrived at the feet of Simon Elisor. After fixing the opposing goalkeeper, the Metz striker shifted Ibou Sané who was quick to push the ball into the back of the net (1-1, 27°). A welcome equalizer which allowed the Garnets to return to the game, giving confidence to Matthieu Udol's friends.
The Clermontois had not yet said their last word and caused one last scare in the Metz defense. Magnin's shot fortunately found the post of the cage guarded by Alexandre Oukidja (41°).
Returning from the locker room, the Auvergnats pushed and put pressure on the timid Messins. On a Clermont attempt, Alexandre Oukidja lay down to ward off the danger (47°). Shortly after the hour mark, the garnet coach made a triple change: Morgan Bokele, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly and Koffi Kouao then took to the pitch at Stade Gabriel-Montpied (63°).
With the tips of his gloves, the Metz goalkeeper, freshly returned from the Algerian selection, made a huge save and prevented Habib Keita from giving his team the advantage (69°). And it seems that it was the goalkeepers' evening since Massamba N'Diaye also stood out and repelled at the last minute a vicious strike from Gauthier Hein (78°).
Definitely inspired, Jessy Deminguet perfectly launched Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly who unfortunately missed his control in the zone of truth (88°). FC Metz had to be content with the draw and climbed onto the podium of Ligue 2 BKT, while waiting for the Dunkirk match scheduled for Monday.
Heading now for the Coupe de France, starting next Friday, against US Raon.
CLERMONT FOOT 63 – FC METZ :
14th day of Ligue 2 BKT
Friday November 22 at 8:00 p.m.
Stade Gabriel-Montpied
Goal for Clermont: Baalouj (14th); for Metz: I.Sané (27°).
Team compositions (
Clermont FOOT 63 : N'Diaye – Konaté – Da Silva – Jacquet – Diallo – Gastien © – Keita (Maurer 79°) – Magnin – Diop (Armougom 79°) – Baaloudj (Toure 79°) – Douane (Bouchenna 79°)
FC Metz: Oukidja – Van Den Kerkhof (Kouao 63°) – Traoré – S.Sané – Udol © – Deminguet (Nduquidi 89°) – Stambouli – Hein – Asoro (Bokele 63°) – Elisor (Sabaly 63°) – I.Jallow (Sabaly 71°)
