Munetsi Scores Again As Paris FC Hold Lorient To A Gritty 1-1 Draw

A late goal from Marshall Munetsi cancelled out Bamba Dieng’s second-half opener as Lorient and Paris FC battled to a gritty 1-1 draw on Sunday, 05 April.

The first half was a tight, physical contest with few clear chances. Dieng had an early opportunity inside the opening minute, but his effort drifted just wide.

Lorient began to grow into the game after the half-hour mark, with Théo Le Bris forcing a sharp save from Paris FC goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.

Paris FC responded late in the half, as Yvon Mvogo was called into action to deny both Jonathan Ikoné and Nhoa Sangui in quick succession.

The match came to life in the 54th minute when Pablo Pagis delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing Dieng to fire home with his right foot.

Lorient nearly doubled their lead in the 66th minute, but Jean-Victor Makengo struck the post after a rapid counter-attack.

With the game slipping away, Paris FC made a bold quadruple substitution in the 71st minute, bringing on fresh legs, including Ilan Kebbal and Alimami Gory — a move that quickly paid off.

In the 74th minute, after Mvogo produced a superb save to keep out a header from Diego Coppola, Paris FC won a corner. From the resulting scramble, Munetsi reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close range and level the match.

The closing stages were frantic. Aiyegun Tosin missed a golden chance for Lorient in the 88th minute, firing wide from close range.

Deep into added time, Paris FC nearly snatched all three points, but substitute Samir Chergui saw his 97th-minute effort saved by Mvogo.

After matchday 28, Paris FC sit 13th on 32 points, while Lorient are 9th with 38 points.

Munetsi arrived while the club was in 17th position on the log. He has since scored four goals.