Brandon Bokangu netted his seventh goal of the season as AS Nancy Lorraine clinched a dramatic 4-3 victory away to Valenciennes, a result that confirmed their long-awaited return to Ligue 2.
The Congolese striker continued his fine run of form in the decisive fixture on Matchday 31 of the Championnat National (France’s third division), helping Nancy seal promotion with one game still to play.
His goal in the 56th minute was his fifth in the last six matches, underlining a strong finish to the campaign both personally and collectively.
Despite an early setback after missing a penalty in the 16th minute, Bokangu responded with a composed finish to score his side’s third goal of the evening, playing a pivotal role in a fiercely contested encounter.
His persistence and attacking presence have been key to Nancy’s late-season surge, and his latest contribution arrived at a crucial moment in their bid for promotion.
Nancy’s win at the Stade du Hainaut marks a significant milestone in their rebuilding efforts after several challenging seasons.
The three points secured in Valenciennes took them to 64 points at the top of the table, guaranteeing a return to Ligue 2 regardless of the outcome of the final fixture.
Bokangu, wearing number 20, has emerged as a vital figure in Nancy’s success this season. His recent form has been especially impactful, delivering consistent performances and crucial goals during the run-in.
While the missed penalty could have dampened his night, the striker’s response demonstrated his mental resilience—an attribute that has defined his contributions in recent weeks.
Speaking through his performance on the pitch, Bokangu has been central to Nancy’s attacking resurgence. His tally of seven goals from limited appearances reflects a growing maturity and sharpness in front of goal, attributes that will be essential as Nancy prepares for the step up in competition next season.
The promotion is a collective achievement, with Nancy’s squad displaying cohesion, tactical discipline, and the determination needed to emerge from a competitive division.
The 4-3 victory itself was emblematic of their fighting spirit—holding off a spirited challenge from Valenciennes and maintaining composure under pressure.
Now sitting comfortably at the summit of the standings, Nancy will host their final match of the season at home to Rouen on Friday, 16 May.
While promotion has already been secured, the club will be eager to finish the campaign in style and confirm their position as champions of the division.
For Bokangu and his teammates, the job is nearly complete. After months of hard work and consistency, they are now just one step away from lifting the league title.
For the Congolese forward, this promotion campaign may also mark a breakthrough season—one that could shape the trajectory of his career as he prepares to test himself on a bigger stage in Ligue 2.
