A brace from Abdallah Sima (23) helped Stade Brestois register a 4-1 Ligue 1 victory over struggling Nantes – only their second win across their previous six league matches (L4).
Undefeated on their two previous trips to Brittany (W1, D1), Nantes began brightly with Nicolas Pallois and Moses Simon forcing stand-in goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert into two stellar saves.
However, the deadlock was broken at the opposite end in the 24th minute, with Brest’s first meaningful attack on goal culminating in Doumbia firing an exquisite volley through Pallois’ legs on its way into the net.
Matters got even worse for the visitors only three minutes later, when leading by example, Brest captain Chardonnet brilliantly headed home Romain Del Castillo’s delivery into the danger zone to double his side’s advantage.
Hoping for a reaction, Nantes manager Antoine Kombouare was clearly delighted with what he saw within three minutes of the restart.
Showcasing some Brazilian flair, Douglas Augusto halved the arrears with a thunderous strike from just outside the area.
Sima should have spared Brest any unnecessary late headaches when presented with a glorious one-on-one opportunity but he somehow fired wide with only Coudert to beat.
Nevertheless, the substitute redeemed himself by getting his name on the scoresheet not once but twice in the final five minutes.
First, the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee clinically converted from close range in the 88th minute before adding another in stoppage time as Brest secured victory.
Three more points at the Stade Francis Le-Ble, means they have now amassed more than 80% at home this season – 16 from a total of 19.
Meanwhile, Nantes remain just a point above the relegation zone after celebrating only three victories from 15 matches (D5, L7).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Abdallah Sima (Brest)
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