Louis Mafouta shines for Le Mans with four in pre-season after Angers brace | OneFootball

Le Mans forward Louis Mafouta has started quickly, scoring four times in pre-season, including a brace in a 3-2 win over Angers that underlines why the promoted side moved for him this summer.

As reported by L'Équipe, he headed in from a Lucas Buades cross on five minutes. His movement then opened a chance for Dame Gueye on 38, before he followed the forward’s surge to add his second on 44.

The Central African Republic international, capped 33 times with 16 goals, combines precision and speed despite a 1.86 m frame. Last season he hit 15 for Amiens, matching the previous campaign with Guingamp, and he also featured in Ligue 1 for Metz in 2022 while on loan from Neuchâtel Xamax. Le Mans paid under one million euros to bring him in.

Mafouta says his adaptation is going well, helped by existing connections in the squad, and that he aims to contribute within the team, adjusting his game to suit. He believes that has shown on the pitch in pre-season.

Coach Patrick Videira says Mafouta has been highly effective across four recent Ligue 2 seasons and now must deliver in Ligue 1. He praised the striker’s work ethic and hopes the form continues. Mafouta, calm amid the attention, is not setting limits.

Source: L'Équipe