Amin Cherni made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring a late header to hand Stade Lavallois a crucial 1-0 victory over Ligue 2 leaders Lorient on Saturday.
The Tunisian international, brought on in the closing stages as a substitute for William Kokolo, found the back of the net just three minutes after entering the pitch, sealing a memorable win for Laval at the Stade du Moustoir – Yves Allainmat.
Cherni’s Decisive Moment
Laval, who entered the match as clear underdogs against table-toppers Lorient, showed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the game.
Despite Lorient dominating possession and creating several chances, Laval’s defense remained compact and disciplined, frustrating the hosts’ attacking efforts.
The breakthrough came late in the game when Cherni, known more for his defensive solidity than his goal-scoring prowess, rose highest in the box to meet a perfectly delivered corner.
His powerful header in the 87th minute left the Lorient goalkeeper rooted to the spot and sent the Laval bench into wild celebrations.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Cherni said after the match. “To come on and score such an important goal, especially against the league leaders, is special. We worked hard for this result, and I’m glad I could contribute.”
A Blow for Lorient, A Boost for Laval
For Lorient, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite creating numerous opportunities, they failed to convert their dominance into goals.
The loss halts their momentum at a crucial stage of the season, though they remain at the top of the Ligue 2 standings.
Laval, on the other hand, earned a vital three points that could prove pivotal in their quest to climb higher up the table. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also sends a message that they can challenge even the strongest sides in the division.
Head coach Olivier Frapolli praised Cherni’s impact, saying, “Amin was exactly what we needed at that moment.
He came on with energy, followed the game plan, and took his chance brilliantly. These are the kind of moments that can define a season.”
Cherni’s Growing Influence
Since joining Laval, Amin Cherni has been steadily building his reputation as a dependable defender, but Saturday’s goal highlighted another dimension of his game.
While his primary role is to fortify Laval’s backline, his aerial ability proved decisive when it mattered most.
The 25-year-old Tunisian international has been pushing for more minutes on the pitch, and this match-winning contribution could give him a stronger case for a regular starting spot in the coming fixtures.
What’s Next for Both Sides?
For Laval, this victory provides momentum heading into their next matches, as they aim to secure a stronger finish in Ligue 2.
The team will look to build on this result and continue their climb up the table.
Lorient, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. While they still hold the top spot, this defeat serves as a reminder that no result is guaranteed, and every match in Ligue 2 presents its own challenges.
As for Cherni, his heroics against Lorient will be a career highlight, but the defender remains focused on the bigger picture.
“This is just one game,” he said. “We need to keep working hard and make sure we finish the season strong.”
With performances like this, Amin Cherni has shown he can be a game-changer—something Laval may need as the season enters its decisive phase.
