Munetsi rescues Paris FC with late equaliser in draw against Lorient

Marshall Munetsi celebrates a goal for Paris FC

PARIS — Zimbabwe international Marshall Munetsi struck a crucial late goal to earn Paris FC a hard-fought 1-1 draw against FC Lorient in a tightly contested Ligue 1 clash on Sunday. The result keeps Paris FC battling in the lower half of the table, while Lorient missed an opportunity to strengthen their push for a top-half finish.

The match began at a high tempo, with Bamba Dieng coming close inside the opening minute, only to see his effort drift wide. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in a physical first half. Lorient grew into the game after the half-hour mark, with Théo Le Bris forcing a sharp save from Paris FC goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. Paris FC responded late in the half as Lorient keeper Yvon Mvogo denied Jonathan Ikoné and Nhoa Sangui in quick succession to keep the scores level at the break.

The game came alive in the 54th minute when Pablo Pagis delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, allowing Dieng to fire home and give Lorient a deserved lead. Lorient nearly doubled their advantage in the 66th minute, but Jean-Victor Makengo struck the post following a swift counter-attack.

Trailing late in the match, Paris FC made a decisive tactical shift with a quadruple substitution in the 71st minute, introducing fresh energy through players including Ilan Kebbal and Alimami Gory. The changes paid off almost immediately. In the 74th minute, after Mvogo produced an excellent save to deny Diego Coppola, Paris FC capitalised on the resulting corner. In a crowded box, Munetsi reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close range, levelling the match.

The closing stages were frantic, with both sides pushing for a winner. Aiyegun Tosin missed a golden opportunity for Lorient in the 88th minute, firing wide from close range. Deep into stoppage time, Paris FC nearly snatched victory, but substitute Samir Chergui saw his 97th-minute effort brilliantly saved by Mvogo.

After matchday 28, Paris FC sit 13th on 32 points, while Lorient are 9th with 38 points. Munetsi’s goal continues his strong impact since joining the club, having now scored four times after arriving when Paris FC were struggling near the relegation zone. Analysts say his influence in midfield has been key to stabilising the team’s performances.

“Munetsi brings physicality, leadership and a goal threat — exactly what Paris FC needed during a difficult period,” said French football analyst Julien Laurent.

For Zimbabwean fans, Munetsi’s continued form in European football is a positive sign, reinforcing his importance to both club and country. As the season enters its final stretch, Paris FC will be hoping their in-form midfielder can continue delivering crucial moments in their fight to climb the table.

Marshall Munetsi's goal at Paris FC