Angers deny Le Havre but both move closer to safety

Angers and Le Havre shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Stade Raymond-Kopa, with both sides taking another step towards Ligue 1 survival. Sofiane Boufal gave the visitors the lead on his return to Angers, before Prosper Peter restored parity in an evenly contested encounter.

Le Havre started on the front foot and were rewarded early on. After an initial warning from Issa Soumaré, the forward turned provider to set up Boufal, who finished clinically to put the visitors ahead inside 15 minutes.

Angers responded well and were level before the half-hour mark following a flowing move. Branco van den Boomen was at the heart of the build-up, while Amine Sbaï’s clever backheel released Lilian Raolisoa, whose cross was turned in by Peter.

Stalemate suits both parties

Le Havre pushed for a winner after the break and created the better chances, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Hervé Koffi. The Angers goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves, including a standout stop to keep out Soumaré.

The visitors’ task became more difficult in the 75th minute when Arouna Sanganté was sent off for a late challenge on Haris Belkebla. Reduced to ten men, Le Havre held firm in the closing stages to secure a valuable point.

The result leaves Angers comfortably clear of the relegation zone despite an extended winless run, while Le Havre, now without victory in eight matches, continue to edge closer to safety.

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