March 30, (THEWILL) – Kylian Mbappe propelled France to a 5-0 victory over South Africa in Lille, with Olivier Giroud, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Matteo Guendouzi scoring in Didier Deschamps’ team’s strong performance.
Olivier Giroud met Lucas Digne’s fifth-minute cross with a firm header, forcing Ronwen Williams into a strong save, before Mbappe miscued a right-footed shot from 12 yards out after being picked out by the full-back.
In the 23rd minute, the PSG striker opened the score in spectacular fashion, recovering Antoine Griezmann’s cross before curling a magnificent strike into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.
Les Blues needed only 10 minutes to double their lead, with Griezmann turning providers of, this time feeding Giroud, who rounded Williams to score his 48th international goal.
As France continued to dominate after the break, Williams made good near-post saves from both Giroud and Mbappe, before the brilliant Digne slammed a fine volley against the upright on the hour.
Mbappe capped off a stellar performance with another goal with a quarter-hour remaining, forcing a foul from Siyanda Xulu before sliding the penalty kick into the bottom-right corner.
There was still time for Ben Yedder to add some gloss to the scoreline when he pushed across the line from Paul Pogba’s header, before Mudau was sent out for an appalling challenge on Adrien Rabiot.
But Les Blues were not done yet, as Guendouzi scored his first international goal after latching onto Mbappe’s assist.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
