Pau earned a valuable point in Ligue 2 with a 2-2 draw away at Nancy on Friday evening, as Senegalese striker Pathé Mboup produced a decisive late equaliser amid ongoing transfer speculation over his future.
Nicolas Usaï’s side had been under pressure for much of the contest at the Marcel-Picot Stadium but showed resilience to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and temporarily move top of the Ligue 2 standings ahead of Saint-Étienne’s clash with Grenoble on Saturday.
The visitors stunned Nancy early, taking the lead within the opening minute when Yoann Touzghar rose highest to head Pau in front. However, Pablo Correa’s team quickly settled and took control of the match, threatening with a series of dangerous attacks.
In the 14th minute, Yanis Fdaouch curled a shot narrowly wide, moments before Pau’s defence had to scramble to block a close-range effort from Quentin Bouriaud.
Nancy’s dominance was rewarded in the 21st minute through a swift counter-attack. Bokangu burst forward at pace, muscling past Ruiz before delivering an inch-perfect pass for Andrew Bamba to slot home the equaliser. The home side’s momentum grew, and they appeared in command before Pau struck back against the run of play.
In the 37th minute, Mboup turned creator, threading a clever pass for Antoine Beusnard to level the match at 1-1, momentarily silencing the home crowd.
Nancy, however, regained the advantage before half-time with a clinical finish, punishing more defensive lapses from Pau.
Despite trailing late in the second half, Pau continued to search for a way back. Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion when Mboup, who had taken a knock earlier in the game, emerged as the hero.
The 21-year-old forward, reportedly attracting interest from Ligue 1 side Brest and Belgian club Mechelen, demonstrated his poacher’s instinct to slot home an 88th-minute equaliser, securing a hard-fought draw for his side.
The result extends Pau’s unbeaten streak and keeps them firmly in contention at the top of Ligue 2, while Nancy, despite their dominance for much of the match, were left frustrated after letting their lead slip twice.
Mboup’s performance will only fuel speculation over his future, with clubs closely monitoring his situation as the transfer window nears its conclusion.
His ability to both create and score goals under pressure was once again evident, making him a standout performer on a night when Pau had to dig deep for a share of the points.
Pau now turn their attention to their next fixture, where Usaï’s side will look to build on this resilient display. Nancy, meanwhile, will be left to rue missed opportunities as they continue their search for a first home victory of the campaign.
