Augustine Boakye: Saint-Étienne's New Hope
One To Watch
Saint-Étienne's Ghanian attacker has sparked a new sense of optimism after netting a brace against Reims last weekend.
Last weekend's 3-1 win over Reims came as Eirik Horneland's first as manager of Saint-Étienne and was powered by a brace from Ghanaian midfielder Augustine Boakye. With his first two goals of the Ligue 1 McDonald's this season, and his first two in the colours of Sainté - he could be the key for Les Verts if they are up this season.
In the summer he became ASSE's third signing after winning promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's via the playoffs. It was in the 2023-2024 season where he turned heads with Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC. In 26 appearances he scored 10 goals and registered seven assists. An adaptable attacker, Boakye can play both as a winger and a striker.
"To join Saint-Étienne and discover the French Ligue 1 is a great source of pride," said the winger just after signing with Les Stéphenois. "I've always followed Ligue 1, and ASSE is an iconic club. I was able to talk to my friend Lucas Gourna, who spoke very highly of the club! I can't wait to discover this great club from the inside and meet its many supporters!"
Boakye's ability to speak French has been a major help into his settling into the squad. But he had yet been unable to make a real impact under Olivier Dall'Oglio, featuring in only nine matches this season. But Boakye managed to spark something that had been missing from Les Stéphanois all season: an away win.
“My double? I think it's down to the whole team. It was what the coach asked of us and we put in the intensity he was asking for. We dominated, but they managed to surprise us with that goal. But we won. The coach's contribution? Yes. We have to do what he asks. We'll try to do everything we can,” commented Boakye following the match.
Les Verts face a hugely challenging test up next in Ligue 1 McDonald's in Paris Saint-Germain. If they are to get anything from the game, Boakye will once again need to be at the top of his game.
