Congolese forward Jovany Ikanga nets brace as Red Star cruise past Guingamp

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Jovany Ikanga delivered a standout performance as Red Star secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Guingamp in the third round of the French second-division campaign.

The Congolese striker struck twice, scoring in the 23rd and 72nd minutes, to claim his first goals of the season and help his side register their maiden win of the campaign.

The former Dijon forward’s clinical display provided a significant boost to both his confidence and that of his team, who had been searching for momentum following a sluggish start.

From the outset, Red Star looked sharper and more organised, punishing a Guingamp side that struggled to find rhythm throughout the contest.

Ikanga’s opening goal midway through the first half set the tone for the visitors, who grew in confidence and dominated possession.

By the time he netted his second of the evening, sealing the brace with a composed finish, Red Star were firmly in control, illustrating their attacking quality and intent.

The victory was a welcome lift for the Parisian outfit, who had been under pressure to respond after failing to win their opening matches.

Ikanga’s heroics not only earned his side three valuable points but also reaffirmed his potential as a decisive figure in the squad’s push for promotion ambitions this season.

Guingamp, meanwhile, endured another frustrating outing, suffering their second consecutive defeat. Despite the presence of midfielder Darly Nlandu, who featured from the start, the hosts failed to make any meaningful impact.

Jérémie Matumona did not appear, and Guingamp’s lack of creativity and defensive organisation proved costly as they failed to mount any serious challenge.

For Nlandu, the match reflected the broader struggles of his side, who remain without a win and sit bottom of the table with a solitary point after three fixtures.

The pressure is mounting as Guingamp now face the challenge of regaining confidence and ensuring early-season setbacks do not derail their campaign.

Red Star’s success, on the other hand, moves them up to fifth place with four points, a significant step forward given their previous results.

Head coach and supporters alike will be encouraged by the team’s cohesion and attacking prowess, with Ikanga’s finishing serving as a key highlight of the evening.

Attention now turns to the upcoming fixtures, with Red Star set to face Annecy on Friday, 29 August. Another victory would further consolidate their strong recovery and potentially push them higher in the standings.

Guingamp will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for a challenging away trip to Bastia on Saturday, 30 August.

As the season begins to take shape, this emphatic result could prove a turning point for Red Star, who showcased their ability to compete at a high level.

For Guingamp, urgency is required to address their defensive frailties and rediscover the form needed to climb away from the foot of the table.