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Paris Saint-Germain narrowly avoided a damaging defeat on the road as Nigerian international Jennifer Echegini struck a crucial equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw against an inspired Le Havre side.
The match burst into life almost immediately at the Stade Océane. Paris Saint-Germain, title hopefuls desperate to keep pace with league leaders Lyon, started brightly and it took only 11 minutes for them to find the breakthrough. Defender Griedge Mbock Bathy powered home a header from a well-delivered corner, putting the visitors ahead and seemingly setting the tone for a comfortable evening.
But Le Havre, unfazed by the early setback, responded with characteristic grit and determination. Just two minutes later, they capitalized on hesitant defending from PSG. Mamy Kankolongo Mendy pounced on a loose ball in the area and expertly slotted home the equalizer, sending the home fans into raptures.
Buoyed by the quick response, Le Havre continued to push forward. Their efforts were rewarded in the 31st minute when Cameroonian forward Charlène Essonne Effa finished off a sweeping counter-attack with a calm, clinical strike past PSG goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek. The hosts went into halftime with a shock 2-1 lead, having outpaced and out-thought their more illustrious opponents.
Facing the prospect of a costly defeat, PSG came out with renewed purpose after the break. The Parisiennes dominated possession and territory but struggled to break down a resolute Le Havre backline marshaled superbly by captain Laura Rueda.
As time ticked on, PSG coach Jocelyn Prêcheur turned to his bench and introduced Jennifer Echegini, the dynamic attacking midfielder who has been steadily making a name for herself in France since her move from Juventus.
In the 69th minute, Echegini latched onto a clever through ball from Oriane Jean-François, shrugged off her marker, and coolly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to level the contest. It was a goal of both composure and quality, underlining Echegini’s growing influence in the PSG midfield.
The Nigerian international’s equalizer reinvigorated PSG, who threw everything forward in search of a winner. However, Le Havre’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Camille Pecharman pulling off several fine saves to deny Sandy Baltimore and Kadidiatou Diani late on.
At the final whistle, Le Havre celebrated a well-deserved point against one of the league’s giants, a result that could have major implications in the title race. For PSG, it was a frustrating evening, albeit one salvaged by the brilliance of Echegini, whose contribution ensured the Parisiennes avoided what could have been a disastrous defeat.
Speaking after the game, Jennifer Echegini expressed her relief at rescuing a point for her team. “It was a tough game, but we showed character. I’m happy to have helped the team and now we focus on the next challenge,” she said.
Coach Prêcheur praised Echegini’s impact off the bench, noting, “Jennifer changed the game when she came on. She has that spark and technical ability to unlock defenses. She’ll be crucial for us in the run-in.”
While PSG remain in the hunt for the Division 1 Féminine title, the draw leaves them with work to do if they’re to dethrone current champions Lyon.
