Lens-Le Mans (2-1) Victory! Recap
By: Xavier |
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A freezing and foggy Stade Felix Bollaert made for the perfect foil as Lens returned to the win column handing a dreadful Le Mans side another nail with which to seal its coffin.
The final score read 2-1 but when it was all said and done it could have been much worse. It was almost all so very different when Almen Abdi latched onto former Lens star Olivier Thomert’s cross with an acrobatic volley after 11 minutes, only for Vedran Runje to pull off a fine save.
Kanga Akale should have put Lens ahead in the 23rd minute but barely missed the target from six yards out after a pinpoint Sebastien Roudet cross.
It took just another six minutes for Kevin Monnet-Paquet to make things right.
Newley acquired Cameroon International Henri Bedimo’s cross missed its initial target but Eduardo flicked the ball back across goal where Monnet-Paquet was on hand to smash home near the left post.
Lens’ second gem came just after the break as Roudet set a swift counter-attack in motion, freeing up Eduardo to beat Gabon International keeper Didier Ovono with a sweet first-time strike.
Ludovic Baal set up another Thomert chance in the 51st minute but Runje did well to block the former Lensois’ shot.
With 67 minutes gone, more good interplay between Eduardo and Monnet-Paquet resulted in a chance for the former, who hit the side netting with a swift snap shot. Close but no cigar.
Lens continued to pour forward and five minutes later it was Akale’s chance to shoot at goal once again, though this time Ovono was up to the challenge and was able to make a fine stop.
The deadly Modibo Maiga returning from the African Cup of Nations grabbed a goal back after 83 minutes, Antonio Geder claiming the assist before his team-mate produced the finish off of a deflection, but Le Mans were unable to pick up their first away point of the season as the Lens defense battened down the hatches to earn three solid points.
Blue Notes:
Henri Bedimo’s debut was a smashing success as the Cameroon left back performed solidly on defense and was instrumental in creating the first Lens score with a dashing run down the left side which created the space for Monnet-Paquet’s fine finish. Indeed, Bedimo made several fine runs and crosses that could and probably should have resulted in more points for the Sang et Or.
Bedimo spoke with the press following the match: “It was very positive. Firstly because we won against a direct competitor in terms of objectives, and because we are further and further from the relegation zone with fourteen points in hand. Its that breath of fresh air in the standings that stands out though. This win allows us to calmly discuss our next challenge against Lyon. We can now go down there without any pressure on us. But before that, we will play a Cup match against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome so we will see.”
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)
Discovering Henri Bedimo-Nsame!
By: Xavier | 3 Comments
Translated from Lens Official Site.
The only recruit of the winter transfer window for Racing Club de Lens, Cameroon International Henri Bedimo-Nsame met with his teammates and the press on Tuesday. The new Lens left back, arriving from Chateauroux (Ligue 2) via the African Cup of Nations in Angola, was kind enough to answer questions.
Henry, how were the negotiations between Chateauroux and Lens?
I was at the Cup of Nations when the negotiations were made but I think it went pretty well. Since I was at the end of my contract in June 2010, the management at Chateauroux was able to work something out. So, I guess it was enough to come to terms with Lens.
Before arriving at Lens, you participated in the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon of course. How did it go?
We struggled early with a first defeat to Gabon. We then caught up well against Zambia. Then there was this quarter-final loss to Egypt. The group is very young so games like this we will help us learn. Hopefully we progressed! My first selection with Cameroon was in October. The CAN 2010 was my first official competition with the NT.
For fans who do not know much about you yet, can you describe your sporting career?
I came up through the Grenoble academy. At that time, the team was in the lower divisions. Then I turned professional with Toulouse. I spent three years in pro squad there. In need of greater playing time, I opted for Le Havre in Ligue 2. This team had a strong ambition to return to the first division. That didn’t go very well because we missed promotion with three games remaining. Afterwards, I found myself at Chateauroux. I spent two and a half years with the club until I was transferred now to Lens.
What is your style of play on the pitch?
I feel like I’m more of an attacking left back. I like to participate in the offense and provide a helping hand to the attackers. But foremost, I am battler. I really like the duels. It does not bother me to grind it out!
What do you bring to Lens?
What I can bring is my passion and my generosity. I want to be on a good footballing project, one that President Martel asked me to be a part of.
Have you ever talked with Coach Wallemme and did he say what he expected from you?
Before I even signed, I had a conversation with the coach. He knows my abilities so I don’t think he’ll ask me to score ten goals a season [Laughs]. Above all I am a defender and he knows that.
If the coach had to call on you this Saturday against Le Mans, in particular due to the injury to Marco Ramos, do you feel ready to patrol the pitch at the Bollaert?
I just had a competition with the Cameroon NT so I think I’m in good shape. I played three of four games so, I’m totally ready! I think the team needs the three points Saturday. So, physically and morally, I’m definitely available!
What do you think of the current Lens squad?
It is a solid side. If they are back in Ligue 1, its because they are a quality side. After a relegation, it is never easy. The season has been good though. Proof, Lens is eleven points clear of the relegation zone. It is on track to turn the corner!
You met your teammates. How did it go?
When you arrive on a team, the first day, it’s like back to school day. There, we try to see what people to avoid etc. [Laughter] … No, it went very well!
Did you know any players before arriving at Lens such as Razak Boukari or Marco Ramos, who played at Chateauroux?
Only their names because when I arrived at Chateauroux, they were already gone to Lens. I have not had the opportunity to play with them but against them, yes, last year in Ligue 2.
What are your first impressions of the training center at La Gaillette?
It was one of the points which weighed greatly on my decision to come to here. The facilities are the best in France by far. It is rare to find such facilities like this.
What image did you have of the Lens supporters?
It is so true when they say that the Lens public is the 12th man! Supporters of the blood and gold are found throughout France and throughout Europe. It is a great and legendary fan base that is always behind it’s players. I think this is very important for any team.
Henri Bedimo, thank you very much.
Very welcome.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Lille Derby II (Stadium Lille-Metropole)
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Northern Derby II for the season as Lens travel to the drab Stadium Lille-Metropole. The first encounter featured some solid overall play by Lens which saw the northern giants grab an early lead only to give up a terrible equalizer in extra time.
Les Sang et Or are confidently facing their long time rivals. “of course we are not in the usual position vis-a-vis Lille this year. Even if they don’t openly say it, the aim for Lille is to challenge for a Champions League spot, while for us its staying in Ligue 1 while we rebuild. Of course, when my team hits the pitch its always to win, but if you come back with a draw that would be fine as well. And if we lose there, its not a scandal considering our objectives, “says Coach Jean-Guy Wallemme. Known for being candid in his remarks, one would suspect the coach of bluffing. For Lens has recently proved they are dangerous on the road. Since their embarrassing defeat at Boulogne, in early December, the Blood and Gold bounced back with a point from each of their last three trips to Paris, Valenciennes and Rennes respectively.
The Rudi Garcia – Wallemme, reunion
“Jean-Guy and I, we get on very well. In this things are very clear. He has done a great job at Lens, and their goal is well on track. Soon we will once again see the Lens of old.
Africans players back.
Chedjou, Aubameyang and Gervinho are back for Lille, while Bedimo-Nasame, Samba Sow and Issam Jemaâ for Lens, indeed all Africans involved in the CAN for both sides are back and should participate in some way in this derby. But only three look to start: Gervinho Sow and Jemaa. Wallemme has also confirmed with regards to Sow. “Hopefully he will continue with what he showed early in the season. He will have an important role in thwarting the mid-field of Lille. “One of the keys to meeting? I suspect Lens will need a lot more than that.
Le Groupe Lensois: Gardiens : Kasraoui, Runje
Défenseurs : Aurier, Chelle, Ramos, Sartre, Situ, Yahia
Milieux : Demont, Hermach, Milovanovic, Roudet, Sow
Attaquants : Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet, Jemaa.
Starters:
Runje
Demont Yahia Chelle Ramos
Sow Hermach
Monnet-Paquet Roudet Boukari
Jemaa
Viewing Options: Streaming at: http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Offers arrive from West Ham, Wigan and Stoke City for Toifilou Maoulida
By: Xavier | 6 Comments
Lens striker Toifilou Maoulida, has announced that his club has received offers from EPL sides West Ham, Wigan and Stoke City. A transfer may be reached by Wednesday.
“I must be frank. Lately, I have had discussions with my agent and he has told me that three English clubs were interested. The discussions are fairly advanced and the deadline is set for Wednesday. We will therefore see if it is done by then. If it does not happen I will stay at Lens until the end of the season. These are Premier League clubs West Ham, Wigan and Stoke City. The deal seems to be a loan with an option to purchase. Starting Monday we’ll see if this happens or not.”
Maoulida, who has been quite effective when given the chance this season led Lens last season with 15 goals in Ligue 2. Surprisingly, Coach Jean-Guy-Wallemme has favored Brazilian Eduardo over the veteran striker for most of this season even though Maoulida has been more efficient in front of goal.
Needless to say this deal seems very puzzling to me. Lens needs all the offensive help they can get and losing one of your better strikers on a loan deal just doesn’t make much sense unless they can bring someone in as a replacement. This however seems rather unlikely as most target recruits have either signed elsewhere or are too expensive for the nearly bankrupt northern side. Cameroon striker Aloys Nong playing at K.V. Mechelen in the Jupiler league has long been rumored but nothing has materialized and odds are nothing will.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Rennes (Stade de la Route de Lorient)
By: Xavier | 2 Comments
Today Lens travels to drab and dreary Brittany to take on Frédéric Antonetti’s Rennes side. For his part former Lens standout defender Kader Mangane has warned that his side cannot afford to throw away any more points if they are to stay in the battle for a European spot.
A series of disappointing results has seen Rennes drop down to 10th in the table, but they remain only three points behind fourth-placed Marseille and could quickly get back into the fight with some positive results.
Lens meanwhile, sits only three points behind Rennes themselves, set to visit on Saturday, Mangane is calling for focus from his team-mates. “It will be up to us to take three points,” he said. “They are a good team, not easy to play and we must be very wary. “But we need to catch up six or seven points that we foolishly lost in the first part of the season. We have two matches to come (against Lens and St Etienne) and we must try and take six points to stay in the race.”
Mangane joined Rennes from Lens in August 2008 after the shocking relegation, but on the eve of the match against his former club he showed loyalty to his current employers by signing a new contract extension until 2013.
Regular readers here know that Lens’ build-up to this match has been dominated by activity in the transfer market. On Wednesday they completed the signing of Cameroon International defender Henry Bedimo-Nsame from Chateauroux, signing a three-and-a-half year deal. However, the left-back is currently at the African Nations Cup with Cameroon, so will have to wait to make his debut. Lens also sent Geoffrey Doumeng, Fabien Laurenti and coveted prospect Steven Joseph-Monrose on loan for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, the club have confirmed they have just loaned Moroccan International defender Issam El Adoua to Nantes for the rest of the campaign. The Lensois must do without Nenad Kovacevic out with a calf injury, while Samba Sow and Issam Jemaa are still on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
The Lensois were defeated by Lorient 2-1 in a midweek Coupe de la Ligue clash. They were also scheduled to play in the Coupe de France last weekend but had their match postponed due to severe weather. Therefore they will be looking to cash in on their first success of 2010 today.
On another front, former Lens stalwart Olivier Thomert will be on the bench today for Rennes and is awaiting a possible transfer to the EPL. Fulham and Blackburn are reportedly in advanced talks with Rennes. PSG have also been linked with the player.
Le Groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje: Aurier, Chelle, Ramos, Rémy, Sartre, Situ, Yahia: Demont, Hermach, Milovanovic, Roudet: Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet.
Le Groupe Rennais: Douchez, Diallo: Théophile-Catherine, Fanni, Hansson, Mangane, Bocanegra, Danzé: Lemoine, Leroy, M’Vila, Tettey, Marveaux, Doumbia: Kembo-Ekoko, Bangoura, Sow, Briand, Thomert.
Viewing Options: Will update a stream if one is available.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Transfer Market: Doumeng to Tours, Bedimo-Nsame Official!
By: Xavier | 2 Comments
Geoffrey Doumeng has finally been loaned off to Ligue 2 side Tours. The loan agreement was concluded today and is to last until the end of the season with no buyout option.
Meanwhile, the contract of Cameroon International left back Henri Bedimo-Nsame is now official. The deal was done for three and one half years. The monetary details are still forthcoming. Bedimo is currently starting at left back for Paul Le Guen’s Cameroon side which were shocked by Gabon (1-0) in the African Cup of Nations this week.
Lens is coming off a 2-1 loss to Lorient in the Coupe de la Ligue and will face Rennes this Saturday.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Bedimo-Nsame to Lens! Habib Bellaid next? Lens on the move in the transfer market.
By: Xavier | 1 Comment
Lens’ official website is reporting that Cameroon International left back Henri Bedimo-Nsame 25, will sign with the club on monday from Ligue 2 side Châteauroux. No specific details on the type of contract are as yet available.
President Gervais Martel is nevertheless set to unveil his newest recruit monday afternoon to much fanfare in Artois. The club had sought the talented defender at the end of last season after a blistering campaign with Châteauroux where he showed great strength and pace. But management held back due to concerns about his participation in the African Cup of Nations 2010 where he was selected by former PSG boss Paul Le Guen to represent the Indomitable Lions. Bedimo will now join the club upon returning from Angola where Cameroon is expected to challenge for the cup. The young defender has been featuring at left back on the national squad in place of injured, former Lensois standout Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
The move will coincide with the loan of Lens’ coveted prospect Steeven Joseph-Monrose to Châteauroux. Both moves are seen as a coup on the part of President Martel as many feared the notorious DNGC would once again foil any transfer negotiations until the club was back on solid financial footing.
Joseph-Monrose expects to get a great deal of playing time at La Berrichone and that has the Lens faithful excited following the strong development of David Pollet who has been receiving extensive playing time while on loan at Paris FC this season.
Lens has also sent reserve defender Fabien Laurenti on loan to Brest and is trying to unload Serbian Dejan Milovanovic to Greece, as well as little used Geoffrey Doumeng.
French journal l’Alsace is reporting that Gervais Martel is once again making a move to bring former France U-21 International Habib Bellaid to Lens. Bellaid playing in Frankfurt on loan from Strasbourg wants to join the Lensois and would have already donned the sang et or had it not been for the objections of the DNGC. An addendum to his Frankfurt loan agreement could be reached by both Lens and Strasbourg that could send the mega prospect to the Stade Félix Bollaert this season.
We shall keep you posted.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Saint Etienne (Stade Félix Bollaert)
By: Xavier | 2 Comments
On the final day before the winter break Lens will have a chance to actually end up on the positive side of the league table with a victory at home against a woeful Saint Etienne side that much like Lens, resembles nothing of the club’s former glory.
Les Verts will be arriving in Artois today spoorting a new, bright and shiny coach. It seems the club changes coaches these days with alarming frequency and the latest boss Christophe Galtier, now looks to leave his mark on the storied franchise.
Galtier had been club assistant to Alain Perrin but the former Lyon coach was sacked this past week with ASSE mired in the league’s bottom four places.
The club turned to Galtier and he began his reign with a solid 0-0 draw against second-placed Marseille on Saturday. And he will now be looking for a first victory when he takes Les Verts to 14th-placed Lens just ahead of the holiday respite.
Saint Etienne stalwart defender Sylvain Monsereau went public this week airing the club’s dirty laundry with regards to Perrin. He said: “It happened at a time when it was important for the group,” he told L’Equipe.
“We reached the end of matches and we were in a relegation position with little to show from the game. There was indeed much to be worried about. “I think there was an uneasiness between the group and Alain Perrin, that is not a secret. Things had become quite tense.”
Meanwhile Jean-Guy Wallemme’s side have been in particularly good form of late, losing only one of their last eight matches. Although, they haven’t been setting the league on fire their defense has improved and that has made the difference. Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Valenciennes seemed to confirm the newfound will of the club as they battled it out on France’s version of the frozen tundra at the Stade Nungesser.
Since their re-intergration to the starting eleven, Kanga Akale, Sebastien Roudet and Toifilou Maoulida have sparked the offense and provided some exhilarating moments for the Lens faithful.
Meanwhile, highly touted midfielder Samba Sow has been rewarded for his impressive form this season with a first Mali call-up for their African Nations Cup warm-up event this week. The 20 year old Sow will actually be replacing Lensois Sidi Keita who is currently on loan with Spanish side Xerez. Keita recently suffered a leg injury and will not be available for his national duties.
16 year old prodigy Serge Aaurier will once again be included in Wallemme’s side and will be taking the place of suspended left back Marco Ramos. The young captain of Lens’ CFA should appear in his first Ligue 1 match today and it should be exciting to watch.
Lens fans will be expecting nothing less than a victory today and if they fall short the shouts of discontent will once again rain down on Wallemme’s head.
Le Groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje ; Aurier, Chelle, Demont, Sartre, Yahia ; Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Roudet, Sow ; Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Jemaa, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet.
Le Groupe Stéphanois: P.Coulibaly, Janot ; Varrault, Monsoreau, N’Daw, Dabo, Benalouane ; Mansaly, Payet, Sako, Matuidi, Hautcoeur, Gelson, Landrin, Dos Reis ; Ilan, Bergessio, Mirallas, Rivière.
Viewing Options: Setanta Sports will broadcast the game live at 2:55 p.m. ET and will re-air at 6:45 p.m. ET on the same day in North America.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Valenciennes (Stade Nungesser)
By: Xavier | 3 Comments
The lesser famed northern derby between Lens and Valenciennes takes place today at the Stade Nungesser. Those who have followed Ligue 1 for any significant period of time will be surprised to find that Valenciennes are now the high flying side while Lens struggles to grind out victories and hope for better days.
Valenciennes have come down a bit from their recent scorching form, but they remain a significant threat to any league side. On Saturday they will meet Lens in this lesser known local derby. Having been unfortunate to draw 0-0 with Auxerre in midweek, head coach Philippe Montanier will be keen his side get back to winning ways.
Rudy Mater and Bobo Balde both have a good chance to return to the squad, but the prognosis is not so good for long-term injuries to Nicolas Penneteau and former Lensois Jonathan Lacourt, both of whom are sidelined for the immediate future.
High flying Guy Rolland N’dy Assembe
Lens have no such injury or suspension problems to worry much about and can therefore focus on continuing their recent good form. Sebastien Roudet and Kanga Akale have been their key weapons in recent weeks, while Toifilou Maoulida is starting to hit some goal scoring form after being brought into the first team in place of an erratic Eduardo.
Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with PSG on a freezing Parisian night at the Parc de Princes confirmed the recent fighting spirit of the club after going down a goal late in the second period through a very fortunate Claude Makelele goal, the Lensois struck back within minutes with an Akale, Roudet, Maoulida combo contributing to a fine goal. It was a fortunate draw after a lackluster performance indeed.
Look for Lens to revert to a strong defensive mentality to keep them in the game. Scoring might be a bit more difficult and it certainly will not be easy to beat the outstanding, up and coming, young Cameroon keeper Guy Roland N’dy Assembe of Valenciennes who is drawing rave reviews throughout the footballing world.
16 year old phenom Serge Aurier at La Gaillette
In a surprise move Lens have included super prospect Serge Aurier in todays group. At an incredible 16 years of age Aurier will be on the bench backing up Yohan Demont at right back. Interesting indeed.
Le Groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje ; Chelle, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia ; Aurier, Demont, Jemaa, Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Roudet, Sow; Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet.
Le Groupe VAFC: Ndy Assembe, Leca – Abardonado, Bisevac, Bong, Ducourtioux, Rafael, Mater, Tiéné – Ben Khalfallah, Cohade, Danic, Kadir, Gomis, Saez, Sanchez – Audel, Pujol, Samassa.
Viewing Options: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=58927&part=sports
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-PSG (Parc de Princes)
By: Xavier | 1 Comment
Ah, there is no place quite like Paris at Christmas. But for Lens short trip to the capital this Wednesday looks to be anything but pleasant. PSG, the mythical capital club awaits in fine form after thrashing Saint Etienne 3-0 over the weekend. The Parisiens have taken three of their last four league matches and are looking to head into the Christmas break just two points behind the second spot in the league table if they can dispatch Lens at the Parc de Princes on Wednesday. With the congested nature of the league table, PSG are currently just five points behind second-placed (insert jokes here) Montpellier.
Lens are looking increasingly safe in lower mid-table, well clear of the relegation zone and heading to Paris on the back of an easy 2-0 win over Nice at the weekend. Indeed, the score could have very easly have been 4-0 had a couple of strikes not bounced off the Nice post.
Coach Jean-Guy Wallemme said: “The two teams we have coming up (PSG and Valenciennes) are, in the higher end of the league table and quality of play is superior to what we have been facing in the last few weeks, outside of Marseille. “We therefore must raise our level of play, and it’s true that we often have the tendency to match the level of our opponents. “I hope this will once again be the case tomorrow.”
With Paris expected to be bitterly cold on Wednesday evening, Wallemme expects a difficult pitch.
He stated: “We’ve started to experiment with different types of boots. Some players are less skilled on this sort of surface. Those who have a lower centre of gravity are better off.”
When reminded that the club would be on the heels of former champions Lyon had they beaten Boulogne two weeks ago Walleme said: The bottom line is we did not win at Boulogne, Lyon does not interest us we are interested in the teams behind us right now. It is true that if we had won at Boulogne, we would have a little more room but as far as i’m concerned, I did not expect to be in the area of Lyon and Company. The league remains very tight, compact, in the midst of grading. And behind us, except Grenoble, teams are not so far away. So, again, on the balance sheet, we are ok. What would be nice, would be to not fall below this zone we are currently in. This requires some concentration and alertness on our part, and we will not be looking at the top of the table. We must continue to work and do what we are capable of doing.
In the meantime, some controversy has sprung up in the PSG cam as some reports surfaced questioning the age and identity of starting goalkeeper Edima Apoula Edel. Africa-based coach Nicolas Philibert, who helped the Cameroonian Edel secure his move to France, claims the shot-stopper is 27 years old rather than his stated 23, and has said his real name is Ambroise Beyamena.
According to Le Parisien, Philibert wants to reclaim money which he contends Edel owes him.
Philibert told radio station France Bleu: “In 2000 and 2001 I was the coach of Ambroise Beyamena, who was 19 years old. “This player has behaved very badly with me for four or five years. I visited him at his hotel before the Montpellier-Paris St Germain game (on August 8). I told him I was not happy with his behaviour and he laughed at me. “I told him: ‘Wait and see as I denounce the fact you have cheated with your age and your identity.’ He was 19 years old in 2000, he is 27 today.”
All jokes aside, It looks like a classic case of sour grapes on the part of Nicolas Philibert as his statements resemble those of a three year old toddler. Indeed, PSG president Robin Leproux stated: “We have an administrative file on Edel which is absolutely clear regarding his sporting career and his two passports, Armenian and Cameroonian, his birth certificate and even copies of his parents’ identity papers. “We hold a clear and solid record. I have a feeling of disgust. We’re talking about a young player who has had a very hard journey. “Now he is succeeding, there are people who come out and make statements that amount to blackmail and extortion, and a vice-president of the league (St Etienne president Bernard Caiazzo) gives credit to those people. I am really disgusted.”
More details are surely forthcoming on this drama.
Viewing Options: Setanta Sports will broadcast the match on taped delay at 6:45 pm ET US.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)
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