Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi starts as RC Lens begin pre-season with victory

Burkina Faso international Hervé Koffi was handed a place in the starting line-up as RC Lens opened their pre-season campaign with a 4-1 victory over US Boulogne-sur-Mer.

The friendly marked the French club’s first outing of the summer and also served as the debut match for RC Lens’ new head coach, who oversaw his first game in charge against their regional opponents.

Koffi was among the players selected from the start, with the goalkeeper returning to the first team for the opening fixture of the club’s preparations for the new season.

The decision to start the Burkinabe international was one of the early selections made by the new coaching staff as they began assessing the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The 28-year-old responded with a composed display between the posts as RC Lens secured a comfortable 4-1 victory in their first pre-season test.

His performance played a role in helping the team begin their preparations on a positive note and could be viewed as an encouraging sign as competition for places continues before the new season gets underway.

The outing also provided an early indication that Koffi remains part of the club’s plans. Being selected for the opening friendly under the new manager suggests the goalkeeper is being given an opportunity to establish himself during pre-season as the coaching staff evaluates its options.

RC Lens will use the coming weeks to continue building fitness and cohesion before competitive football resumes, with the pre-season schedule expected to provide further opportunities for players to impress.

For Koffi, the match represented a chance to reaffirm his credentials after returning to the starting line-up. A solid performance in the opening friendly could strengthen his position as preparations continue and the squad competes for places ahead of the new campaign.

The Burkina Faso international remains under contract with RC Lens until 30 June 2028, giving the club long-term security over one of its goalkeeping options.

According to the information provided, Koffi earns an estimated annual salary of €1,270,000 while continuing his career with the Ligue 1 side.

With the first pre-season fixture now complete, RC Lens and their new head coach can take encouragement from a convincing victory, while Koffi’s assured display offers a positive foundation as the club continues its preparations for the season ahead.