Toulouse FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over AS Saint-Étienne on Friday evening, a result that brings them closer to the coveted European qualification spots in Ligue 1.
In a tightly contested encounter at the Stadium de Toulouse, late heroics from Warren Babicka and Zakaria Aboukhlal proved decisive against a resilient ASSE side.
Slow start in a balanced contest
The first half unfolded with few clear opportunities as both teams struggled to find rhythm in their play.
Warren Babicka, stepping into the starting lineup in place of Gboho, attempted to make an early impact, but his sixth-minute effort sailed off target.
Despite some promising build-ups, the hosts were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Saint-Étienne defense.
The most promising chance of the half came just before the break when Zakaria Aboukhlal danced past ASSE goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, only for his move to be cut short by a last-ditch intervention from Emmanuel Batubinsika (45’+1).
Saint-Étienne strike first but Toulouse respond
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a well-worked move.
Dennis Appiah’s incisive play set up Lucas Stassin, who slotted home to score his first goal of the season.
However, ASSE’s celebrations were short-lived as Toulouse responded with urgency.
Just two minutes later, Babicka leveled the score, heading in a pinpoint cross to reignite the hosts’ hopes.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, and while the game entered a calmer phase, the tension was palpable.
Both teams searched for a breakthrough, but it was Toulouse who found the decisive moment in the dying stages.
Aboukhlal’s decisive blow
In the 85th minute, Zakaria Aboukhlal capitalized on a lapse in Saint-Étienne’s defense.
Reacting quickly to a loose ball, the Moroccan international fired home to seal all three points for Toulouse, taking his goal tally for the season to five.
His clinical finish underlined the composure and quality that have become hallmarks of his game this season.
Meanwhile, Warren Babicka’s header marked his fourth league goal, further solidifying his growing reputation as a key player for Téfécé.
Implications for the standings
With this victory, Toulouse FC climbed to eighth place, keeping their European aspirations alive.
In contrast, AS Saint-Étienne’s struggles continue, as they remain perilously close to the relegation zone.
For Toulouse, the win underscores their resilience and potential, while ASSE will need to regroup quickly to steer clear of further danger.
