Facing Valenciennes on matchday two of the Challenge Espoirs, Rennes were caught off guard right from the start when Rayan Lounas opened the scoring. Sébastien Tambouret’s side reacted immediately by keeping possession, and a series of attacking moves followed, with Lelo Mandionka in goal. Alassane Niang, who had been decisive against TA in the league, found the net with a crisp shot, capitalising on a fine lay-off from Kelvin Dongopandji. Five minutes later, the playmaker scored himself, converting a penalty with precision.
The second half proved to be a goal-fest, with the visitors initially taking the lead with two goals, before Melvin Jambry equalised after being well set up by Mohamed Chebbi (3–3, 61st minute). With the score level at full time, the two sides went to a penalty shoot-out, which Valenciennes eventually won.
Next up is a match against Paris FC on 23 November.
Matchday 2 Challenge Espoirs
Stade Rennais F.C. / Valenciennes AFC : 3-3 (3-5 tab)
Line up Stade Rennais : Thâo Mouapa Mwa Meuraillon - Mohamed Chebbi, Rubenb Lomet (c), Junior Ake (puis Antoine Vauléon, 69e), Mervin Gbeme - Florian Truffert (Noah Loufoundou 69e), Melvin Jambry (Yaya Camara 75e), Alexis Bernard (Noahm Diop 85e) - Noa Koumanou (Aliou Diallo 85e), Alassane Niang (Dee-Shawn Jacinthe 65e), Kelvin Dongopandji (Antoine Menard 85e).
Line up VAFC : Mandionka Lelo - Louis Fouble, Raphaël Dehorter, Nolann Bourichon (Kais Alexandre 65e), Paul Payet (Zaim Bousbaine 88e) - puis Issa Tounkara (William Cideron 56e), Kais Lesueur (Lishad Kouassi 65e), Rayan Lounas (Edens Cadeau 71e) - Dayann Linyon (Massoumou, 71e), Nyemb (c), Ilphonse (Youcef Hamiche 46e).
