Metz Leapfrog Paris FC After Late Winner in Promotion Thriller

Metz returned to the Ligue 2 BKT automatic promotion places after a last-gasp victory at Dunkerque, capitalising on Paris FC’s stunning collapse away to Laval.

Paris FC Stumble at Laval

Matchday 27 in Ligue 2 BKT delivered major twists in the promotion race, with Paris FC dropping out of the top two following a 3-0 defeat at Stade Lavallois.

Malik Tchokounté opened the scoring in the 18th minute, reacting fastest to his own rebound after Paris FC keeper Obed Nkambadio parried his initial effort. Laval doubled their advantage shortly after the interval, as Malik Sellouki expertly volleyed home from a looping ball into the box (52’).

Tchokounté then completed his brace just minutes later, again beating Nkambadio on the rebound after being played through on goal. It was his first brace in over nine matches, and the result was a deserved and emphatic win for the play-off hopefuls.

For Paris FC, the result marks a damaging blow just a week after their impressive victory over leaders Lorient. They now sit just outside the automatic promotion spots with eight matches remaining.

Metz Edge Dunkerque in Injury-Time Epic

That defeat opened the door for Metz, and Stéphan Le Mignan’s side grasped the opportunity in dramatic fashion with a thrilling 3-2 win away at fellow promotion rivals Dunkerque.

Chiekh Sabaly struck first for Metz in the 30th minute, slotting home his 11th of the season after Gauthier Hein’s bursting run and assist. But Dunkerque hit back early in the second half through Diogo Queirós, who rifled in a superb half-volley from the edge of the area (53’).

Sabaly restored Metz’s lead in the 71st minute, finishing coolly under Adrián Ortolá after a pinpoint through ball from Benjamin Stambouli. However, the hosts looked to have salvaged a point deep into stoppage time when Yacine Bammou swivelled in a tight space to equalise in the 93rd minute.

Yet there was one final twist. In the 100th minute of play, Koffi Kouao surged down the right and whipped a low cross to the far post, where 21-year-old Morgan Bokele Mputu arrived to slam home the winner. Wild celebrations followed, and Metz moved up to second in the table as a result.

Site Opinion

This latest round of fixtures epitomised the drama and unpredictability of Ligue 2 BKT. Metz’s resilience and quality in the final moments at Dunkerque could prove defining come the end of the season. Their ability to dig deep in high-stakes encounters is exactly what sets promotion sides apart in the home stretch.

As for Paris FC, consistency remains their Achilles’ heel. Their win over Lorient seemed to mark a turning point, but this loss at Laval reveals a fragility that could cost them dearly. With Metz hitting form at the perfect time, the capital club may soon find themselves fighting not just for second place—but for their spot in the play-offs altogether.