Congolese striker Jovany Ikanga fires Red Star to victory over Brandon Bokangu’s Nancy
Jovany Ikanga’s late strike secured a vital 1-0 win for Red Star away at Nancy, denying fellow Congolese forward Brandon Bokangu as the two sides clashed in the sixth round of France’s Ligue 2 campaign.
The decisive moment arrived ten minutes from time when Ikanga netted his third goal of the season, making the most of Red Star’s numerical advantage.
His finish ensured the Parisian club extended their impressive run with a fourth successive victory, keeping them firmly at the top of the table.
It was a tightly contested encounter, with both Congolese internationals at the heart of proceedings. Nancy, determined to halt Red Star’s momentum, held firm for much of the match. However, the visitors’ growing pressure finally told late on, underlining their clinical edge in decisive moments.
The result marks another statement from Red Star, who continue to build on a remarkable start to the season. With 13 points already secured, manager and players alike will be keen to maintain composure, aware that the campaign remains long and demanding. Despite their strong opening, the focus is now on consistency and avoiding complacency.
For Nancy, the outcome was far less encouraging. A second consecutive defeat leaves them frustrated, compounded by a third straight match without a win.
While not entirely outplayed, the hosts’ errors at key moments proved costly, and a sense of urgency now surrounds their need to correct course before slipping further down the standings.
The performance, however, was not without positives. Nancy competed with determination and created chances but lacked the cutting edge to convert their opportunities.
With eight points from six games, they remain in ninth place, but immediate improvement is needed if they are to climb the table and challenge more seriously.
Both sides now turn their attention to midweek fixtures. Red Star will look to continue their winning momentum when they face Troyes, while Nancy will hope to bounce back quickly in their trip to Annecy.
The victory once again highlighted Ikanga’s importance to Red Star’s frontline. His third goal in six matches not only reinforced his growing reputation but also demonstrated his ability to deliver when it matters most.
As the season unfolds, his partnership with teammates in attack is likely to play a crucial role in sustaining Red Star’s title push.
For Bokangu and Nancy, meanwhile, the mission is clear: rediscover their rhythm, sharpen their finishing, and cut out errors to regain lost ground.
With plenty of football left to play, a turnaround remains entirely possible, but consistency must come quickly if they are to keep pace with the leading sides.
As things stand, Red Star’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, with Ikanga leading the charge. For Nancy, the road ahead is already shaping up to be a test of resilience and resolve.
