BEVERLY HILLS, January 31, (THEWILL) – Nigerian Lorient striker Terem Moffi came on as a 61st minute substitute and proved hero for his Ligue 1 side as he netted an injury-time winner to deal a defeat against French champions Paris Saint-Germain in a 3-2 win at Stade Yves Allainmat – Le Moustoir in Sunday afternoon’s fixture.
Six goals in 12 League matches has seen Moffi hit the ground running since his big money move to Lorient from Belgian side KV Kortrijk in the summer transfer window. His performances easily mark him out as one of the most in-form players in a French league bustling with talented players in big sides.
Lorient midfielder Laurent Abergel gave the hosts the lead on 36 minutes but two penalty kicks converted by Brazil superstar Neymar put PSG in the front foot before substitute Yoane Wissa nestled the ball in the net in the 80th minute to level out the scores.
When it was seeming to be a foregone conclusion that the points would be shared in a stalemate at 2-2, Moffi netted the game-winning goal, one minute into stoppage time. The Nigerian beat PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico at the near post, with the assist supplied by Abergel.
In the form Moffi is in now, the forward will fancy his chances of a starting berth and regular appearances for full-time games rather than starting off the bench. The attacker has now scored in each of his last five games in the French top-flight: his goal against OGC Nice was followed by clinical strikes against Monaco, Bordeaux, Dijon and PSG, on Sunday.
His contribution helped Lorient stop a five-match winless slump by beating Dijon 3-2 in their previous match with another injury-time intervention and that gave them all the confidence they needed to start off confidently against the champions.
For all the talent new coach Mauricio Pochettino held in reserve on PSG’s side, it was Lorient’s manager, Christophe Pelissier’s substitutions that proved inspired – especially as Wissa exchanged passes with Moffi to rifle home.
PSG’s opportunity to return to the top of Ligue 1 collapses like a pack of cards in Pochettino’s first loss as head coach. As a consequence, Lyon stayed at the summit, leaving PSG to grind their teeth in justified vexation at the stoppage-time Moffi winner. And what may have been if they had scored more.
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.
