Louis Mafouta shines for Le Mans but Rennes take 3-2 win | OneFootball

Louis Mafouta’s flying start with Le Mans continued with a brace at Rennes, though the promoted side slipped to a 3-2 defeat.

According to L'Équipe, about a thousand travelling supporters stayed at Roazhon Park to chant their heroes’ names long after full-time. Mafouta’s is still new to many in Ligue 1.

He hit 15 last season for En Avant Guingamp, finishing second in the scoring charts. Le Mans moved for him for 500,000 euros despite his age, 32, and limited top-flight experience, a short loan at Metz from January to June 2022 after Neuchâtel Xamax. The Central African Republic forward has 33 caps and 16 goals, a national record.

Operating in a 5-3-2 with Dame Gueye and relishing runs in behind, he has three Ligue 1 goals already. He struck in the 2-2 opener against Brest, adding an assist, then netted twice in Rennes, including a 54th-minute penalty equaliser.

Coach Patrick Videira said the striker can do real damage in the box, but felt he might have had a third or even a fourth, and wants the bar kept high.

Mafouta admitted mixed feelings with only one point on the board, calling it frustrating and urging realism in both areas, while insisting the team must come first. With several rookies learning on the job, Videira will need Mafouta, contracted until 2028 with an extra-year option, to stay effective across the campaign.

Source: L'Équipe

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