At the latest Guingamp, the Rafettes must find their way to goal this Sunday afternoon (2pm), during the 18th round of the Second League.
It is not a decisive moment for them. But in spirit, this trip to Guingamp is crucial for the Ruthenoises. Crucial because it should allow them to move further away from the relegation zone, with four more matches to play before the final verdict. Currently in 10th place and the first non-relegation position, Karima Taieb’s team has only a two-point lead over Metz, their closest pursuer. And eight points ahead of today’s opponent, EAG, currently in last place but not yet fully condemned.
For Rodez, salvation will come from finally freeing themselves offensively in Brittany. The weeks pass and the problems remain for Ninon Barnoin’s team. Their goal record is meager, with only nine goals scored, four less than the next worst team in the exercise, Guingamp. This doesn’t promise a great spectacle in a match that will be played in the city’s main stadium, the Roudourou.
“We know we are struggling in front of goal this year,” coach Taieb had said last weekend after the 0-0 draw against Nice at Paul-Lignon. “But we must continue to work, believe until the end, not give up, to potentially get that goal in Guingamp.”
Especially since on the other side of the field, the red and gold team manage to be very solid. Coming off that draw, but also a valuable win against the second-placed team Auxerre (0-1) eight days earlier. With the precious Deborah Garcia as the last line of defense in goal, and a significant mastery in the game that only needs to be translated into goals.
The Rodez squad: Garcia – Defenders, Bettoumi, Sevenne, Brissonnet, Bouron, Grocq, Saltel, Vaysse, Dehri, Banuta, Clément, Roumiga, Theriez, Gay, Barnoin.
