Lionel Mpasi stakes claim as Le Havre number one despite 1-0 Monaco loss | OneFootball

Lionel Mpasi, 32, justified his promotion to Le Havre's number one in the 1-0 defeat by Monaco. L'Équipe reports he is expected to retain the role with Mory Diaw likely to depart for Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.

An assured stop in the third minute settled him, but Eric Dier's shot deflected off Amir Richardson beat him on 14 minutes. Mpasi responded with six saves, including a double stop from Brunner then Golovine on 16 minutes. Richardson thought he had levelled on 26 minutes, only for a marginal offside, and Mpasi later denied Soubeir on 58 minutes.

The keeper had long been behind Diaw, at Rodez in Ligue 2 and since arriving at Le Havre in July 2025. He impressed last season when covering Diaw's absence for AFCON and national celebrations, and when Diaw went off at half-time against Toulouse through injury in a 2-1 win on 15 February.

Head coach Didier Digard said starting the season with Mpasi was about stability during a turbulent spell for Diaw, describing the step up as a reward for the keeper's investment. He noted there is room to improve, particularly in playing out, but praised Mpasi's dynamism and quick decisions.

Richardson said the squad have strong faith in him, adding his level since pre-season has not surprised those who knew him from Ligue 2. Mpasi also excelled at the World Cup, notably against England in the last 16, a 2-1 defeat. This was only his fifth Ligue 1 appearance.

Source: L'Équipe

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