One week after securing a win against Doazit (2-0), SUA needed to continue their momentum in front of their home crowd against Bazas, with the sole viable objective being a victory for three points to ensure their maintenance in Regional 2 (definitely?).
However, similar to the match against Doazit, SUA’s victory, while appearing to be a dominant success, was far from a guaranteed win. Against struggling Bazadais opponents, the Suavists followed the same script as the previous weekend, opening the scoring first but then facing nerve-wracking moments throughout the game before finally securing a second goal towards the end of the match.
In a team that was once again reshuffled for the occasion, the Agen players displayed intention and determination to thwart any ambitions from the Girondins. It was after half an hour that Sporting logically took the lead through Zoglami, whose skillful lob over the opposing goalkeeper found the back of the net (1-0, 36th minute).
The match continued with SUA leading and the Girondins attempting to equalize, but neither team managed to score again. The Agen players put themselves in a comfortable position in the last quarter of an hour, with Zoubele Sana creating an opportunity for Frances to set up Szpala for a goal at the second post (2-0, 77th minute).
Despite being ahead by 2-0, Patronage remained dangerous until the end of the match, with Bendaho standing out by winning a face-off against the Girondin attack in the closing minutes.
A general relief for the Suavists before savoring a morale-boosting victory. With six more points, SUA has almost secured their maintenance in the league. One final effort and they will be safe.
Reactions
Damien Carmaux, SUA coach: “It’s not a ‘tranquil’ victory, because we created a lot of chances and didn’t capitalize on them. The second goal came, but a bit late. We still left the opponent alive, even though we were rarely in danger. The result is top. We win 2-0, keep a clean sheet, and earn three points… If we look at the glass half-empty, we are safe. If we look at it half-full, we are fourth in the standings. The downside of the evening (injuries to Clovis and Zoglami) reflects our season’s story. With Lahdi Tahraoui, we are ‘chameleons,’ so we will continue to adapt.”
Yanis Bendaho, SUA goalkeeper: “This Saturday, we won with the minimum required by the coaches, no goals conceded and almost secured maintenance. It’s a morale boost.”
Kévin Szpala, SUA forward: “We resume success against Doazit, confirm it against Bazas… We score and don’t concede, following the instructions. Honestly, this victory feels good.”
SU Agen 2 – Bazas 0
- Half-time: 1-0
- Referee: Mr. Delaforge
- Goals: Zoglami (36′), Szpala (77′)
- SU AGEN: Bendaho – Clovis, Arlat, Sagno, Taounti, Djebablah, Kirakossian, Szpala, Zoglami (c), Frances, Sana. Substitutes: Benmohammed, Caeiro Valerio, Cano Dueso.
