Brest beat Le Havre AC 2-1 at Stade Océane.

The Ligue 1 clash between Le Havre AC and Brest took place on 5 September 2026 at the Stade Océane in Le Havre. Both sides entered the match looking to secure three points, and the atmosphere was charged as the home crowd anticipated a competitive encounter.

How it unfolded

The opening stages saw Le Havre AC’s Lionel Mpasi booked for a bad foul just ten minutes in, receiving a yellow card that hinted at an early battle for discipline. Two minutes later Brest took the lead when Kamory Doumbia stepped up to convert a penalty, striking with his right foot into the bottom right corner to make it 0-1.

The first half continued with both teams probing for an equaliser, but the rhythm was interrupted at the 39th minute when Doumbia was shown a yellow card for handball, adding a caution to his earlier involvement in the game.

Just before the break, the match took a dramatic turn. In first-half injury time, Junior Mwanga received a straight red card and was sent off, leaving Le Havre AC to finish the half with ten men. The dismissal forced the home side to reshuffle their tactics for the remainder of the game.

The second half began with Brest exploiting the numerical advantage. Six minutes after the restart, Doumbia doubled his tally, this time from open play. He received a left-footed shot from the centre of the box that found the bottom right corner, the move set up by Mama Baldé on a fast break, bringing the score to 0-2.

Le Havre AC fought back in the closing stages. In the 79th minute, Rayan Fofana restored hope for the hosts by converting a penalty, sending his right-footed shot to the top right corner and narrowing the deficit to 1-2. Despite the late goal, Le Havre AC were unable to find another equaliser, and the match ended with Brest holding on for the win.

Standout performers

  • Kamory Doumbia (Brest) – The decisive figure in the game, Doumbia scored both of Brest’s goals, one from the penalty spot and another from open play, showcasing composure under pressure.
  • Mama Baldé (Brest) – Provided the assist for Doumbia’s second goal, delivering a quick transition that caught the Le Havre defence out of shape.
  • Rayan Fofana (Le Havre AC) – Kept his side in contention with a well-taken penalty in the 79th minute, highlighting his reliability from the spot.

Match facts

  • Final score: Le Havre AC 1-2 Brest
  • Scorers:
    • Kamory Doumbia (Brest) – 12' (penalty)
    • Kamory Doumbia (Brest) – 51' (assist by Mama Baldé)
    • Rayan Fofana (Le Havre AC) – 79' (penalty)
  • Bookings:
    • Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre AC) – 10' (yellow)
    • Kamory Doumbia (Brest) – 39' (yellow)
  • Sending-off:
    • Junior Mwanga (Le Havre AC) – 45'+2' (straight red)
  • Venue: Stade Océane, Le Havre

What it means

The result gives Brest three points and a vital away win, while Le Havre AC return home with a single point after playing most of the match a man down. Both clubs will look to build on these performances in their upcoming Ligue 1 fixtures.