Troyes supporters did not wait for the end of the match to demand the resignation of Patrick Kisnorbo, the Australian coach, who arrived during last season. In the hot seat, after a very average start to the Championship, Kisnorbo should not be quickly relieved of his duties.
However, in this meeting against the Greens, his players did not in any case give the impression of letting go of their coach. Returning to the locker room at the break, the Stéphanois could consider themselves a bit lucky not to be behind by the score. Troyes, the opposite of the face displayed during the first period a week ago against Auxerre, was quite dashing.
After ten minutes of hesitation, with already at the kick-off calls from the ultras for the resignation of coach Patrick Kisnorbo, the young Trojans, guided by the experience of Xavier Chavalerin, made the right moves. There was surely a fault from Anthony Briançon, on Lika Ilic who was heading towards goal (12th). The Greens remained at eleven but suffered far too much. Ilic again (13th) showed that he was becoming an important pawn in the offensive animation. Junior Olaitan comes up against Gautier Larsonneur (23rd), just like Tierno Baldé (24th). The Saint-Etienne goalkeeper stood out again on a free kick from Ilic (31st) at the edge of the area. Larsonneur was very happy to see Oliatan’s shot escape the top corner (32nd).
Third victory in a row for the Greens
On the Green side, it was more laborious. We will overlook the lack of serenity in defense but the technical waste was still too great. Stéphane Diarra had two chances, two face-to-face meetings lost against goalkeeper Nicolas Lemaître (10th, 27th), that said in very tight angles. Otherwise, except for the activity of Benjamin Bouchouari, it lacked bonding, ideas and risk-taking. Despite the often stated wish of coach Laurent Batlles, this Saint-Étienne team imposed nothing on their opponent.
The move to two attackers on the hour mark, with the entry of Gaëtan Charbonnier in support of Ibrahim Sissoko, changed nothing. It was Troyes again which offered itself the best opportunities. But Kyliane Dong rushed (64th) and saw her shot blocked (69th). A lack of efficiency in this meeting which undermined the good intentions of Troy.
In the end, like against Concarneau last week, Saint-Étienne would end up winning. In added time, Mathieu Cafaro finally crossed perfectly for Aïmen Moueffek’s header. Nicolas Lemaître, the goalkeeper, could not control the ball (0-1, 90th+3). Without being dominant, the Greens continue to collect points with this third success in a row. They are undefeated for 6 matches.
