PAU 2-1 Guingamp: Ligue 2 2025-26 match report

Pau FC secured a vital three points at the Nouste Camp on Saturday, overcoming a first-half deficit to defeat Guingamp 2–1. In a contest defined by tactical adjustments and a late surge from the hosts, Thierry Debes’ side demonstrated resilience to overturn a narrow lead held by Sylvain Ripoll’s visitors for much of the afternoon.

The opening

Thierry Debes opted for a rigid 5-3-2 formation, aiming to neutralize Guingamp’s attacking threats while maintaining defensive stability. The strategy faced an early test of discipline when O. Sadik was cautioned in the 15th minute, signaling a physical battle in the middle of the park.

Guingamp, set up in a more traditional 4-4-2, found their rhythm midway through the first half. Their persistence was rewarded in the 35th minute when L. Mafouta broke the deadlock. The goal, orchestrated by an assist from S. Kielt, forced Pau to rethink their approach as they headed into the interval trailing by a single goal. Despite the deficit, the home side’s structure remained intact, suggesting that Debes felt the game plan was still viable if his side could improve their efficiency in the final third.

The decisive moment

The second half began with a renewed intensity from Pau. Their patience paid off in the 54th minute when K. Dong leveled the score, converting a delivery from N. Glossoa. The equalizer shifted the momentum, prompting Sylvain Ripoll to intervene from the bench. Between the 55th and 62nd minutes, Ripoll utilized four substitutions—introducing A. Samoura, Y. Demoncy, S. Kielt, and A. Sissoko—in an attempt to regain control of the midfield and inject fresh legs into the attack.

Pau responded with their own series of rotations, bringing on N. Glossoa, O. Sadik, J. Ruiz, and J. Anziani as the game entered the final quarter. As the match wore on, the disciplinary count rose; D. Meddah and T. Pouilly both received yellow cards for Pau, reflecting the high stakes and the physical toll of the closing stages.

With the match seemingly destined for a draw, the game reached its climax in the final minute of regulation. A. Bobichon provided the decisive pass, finding K. Dong, who secured his brace and the victory for Pau. The late drama was followed by a frantic period of stoppage time, during which K. Dong and Guingamp’s K. Sidibé were both cautioned, but the home side successfully managed the clock to confirm the 2–1 result.

Looking ahead

The victory provides a significant morale boost for Pau, who proved capable of absorbing pressure and executing a late-game turnaround against a structured Guingamp side. For Guingamp, the result serves as a frustrating setback, highlighting a need for greater defensive concentration during the closing minutes of high-stakes fixtures.