Ligue 2 Leaders Troyes Draw with pau Despite Early Red Card
PAU, FRANCE – November 27, 2023 – Ligue 2 leaders ESTAC Troyes were held to a 1-1 draw by Pau FC on Monday evening, a result that tightens the race at the top of the table. the match at the Nouste Camp was marked by a controversial first-half sending-off for Troyes center forward Tawfik Bentayeb.
Pau entered the match seeking to rebound from a 3-0 defeat to Dunkirk and a heavy 6-0 loss to ASSE last Tuesday. Troyes,undefeated as August 28th – their only defeat a 2-0 loss to Dunkirk on the 4th matchday – aimed to extend their winning streak and solidify their position atop Ligue 2. Thay currently lead the league, having done so since the end of September.
The game took a decisive turn in the first half when Bentayeb was shown a red card for a late challenge on Pau goalkeeper Noah raveyre inside the penalty area, requiring medical attention.Despite playing with ten men, Troyes managed to equalize through Diop, negating a first-half goal from Pau’s Rayane Messi, who scored with a half-volley following a poorly defended corner.
The second half proved a balanced affair, with both teams – currently in the ligue 2 top five – battling for a winner.Troyes goalkeeper Konaté made two crucial saves in stoppage time to deny Pau a late victory.
After eight minutes of added time, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw. Pau remains behind ASSE in the standings, while Troyes now trails the Greens by five points ahead of their upcoming clash on Saturday. Troyes will be without bentayeb for that match due to his suspension.
