Senegalese duo Étienne Mendy and Sonko shine in Saint-Étienne’s 3-0 victory

Senegalese forward Étienne Mendy scored twice as AS Saint-Étienne’s reserve side claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Espaly in the sixth round of the Challenge Espoirs.

Mendy was joined on the scoresheet by compatriot Lamine Sonko, who opened the scoring as the young Greens continued their impressive performance in the competition.

Saint-Étienne made a bright start and needed just five minutes to take the lead. Sonko found the back of the net early in the contest to give his side the advantage and put Espaly under immediate pressure.

The young Greens continued to control proceedings, with their attacking efforts eventually producing a second goal through Mendy.

The Senegalese winger doubled Saint-Étienne’s lead in the 37th minute with an excellent effort from outside the penalty area. His strike gave the hosts a comfortable advantage heading into the second half.

Mendy was not finished, however, as he returned to score again nine minutes after the restart.

The former Diambars player completed his brace in the 54th minute, putting the result beyond doubt and securing a deserved 3-0 victory for Sylvain Gibert’s team.

The two goals further underline Mendy’s growing influence within Saint-Étienne’s reserve side, with the Senegalese youngster continuing to make important contributions whenever he gets the opportunity.

His latest performance also extends an encouraging run of form at under-21 level. Mendy had already found the net in Saint-Étienne’s previous 2-0 victory over OGC Nice on matchday five.

The winger is gradually establishing himself as an important attacking option for the team managed by Gibert, with his ability to find the net becoming increasingly valuable.

Sonko also made his contribution with the opening goal against Espaly, ensuring that both Senegalese youngsters played decisive roles in the team’s comfortable win.

For Saint-Étienne, the 3-0 result provided another positive outing for their young players in the Challenge Espoirs, while Mendy’s brace offered further evidence of his development and growing confidence in front of goal.