M’Bala Nzola played a pivotal role in RC Lens’ 2-0 victory over Stade Reims on Friday night in the French Ligue 1.
The Angolan forward scored in the 61st minute to secure all three points for Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Lens took the lead in the 23rd minute when Adrien Thomasson converted a chance after a poorly cleared cross from Polish winger Przemyslaw Frankowski. Thomasson expertly controlled the ball with his chest before driving it into the net.
Reims goalkeeper Yevhann Diouf made several key saves to keep his team in the game, but he was unable to stop Nzola’s clinical strike in the second half. Nzola, who started the match and played 88 minutes, was substituted for Jhoanner Chavez in the closing stages.
The win lifts Lens further up the Ligue 1 standings, while Reims remains in ninth place following the defeat.
With his goal, M’Bala Nzola now has three goals in eight league appearances for Lens this season, underlining his growing importance to the team.
