France Under-21s left Estonia with the points they needed, if not the flowing performance they might have wanted. A 2-0 qualifying win on a poor surface moved Les Bleuets closer to the 2027 European Championship in Albania and Serbia, despite a night of injuries and a stubbornly low scoreline against ten men.
Key takeaways
- France Under-21s won 2-0 in Estonia to strengthen their position in the race for Euro 2027.
- Estonian left-back Sander Tovstik was sent off in the 28th minute after striking Ismaelo Ganiou.
- Steve Ngoura and substitute Jean-Matteo Bahoya scored France’s goals.
- Ethan Mbappé and Senny Mayulu both went off injured during the first half.
- France are now three points ahead of Switzerland, who lost 5-1 to Iceland.
A one-sided contest without a ruthless finish
France had already beaten Estonia 6-1 earlier in the campaign and controlled this return fixture for long periods, but they did not turn their dominance into a large margin of victory. Estonia spent most of the evening deep inside their own territory, a pattern made even more pronounced after Tovstik’s dismissal.
The defender was shown a red card after punching Ganiou following a throw-in decision that was due to go France’s way. By then, the visitors were already in front. Ngoura opened the scoring in the 24th minute, his shot taking a deflection after Aladji Bamba had created the opportunity.
France piled up 36 attempts, with 14 on target, and forced 21 corners. Yet their attacking pressure rarely developed into a sustained tempo, and Estonia’s packed defensive line kept the score at 1-0 until late in the match.
Bahoya, brought on earlier than planned, secured the result in the 68th minute with a low finish.
Injury concerns before two matches in Orléans
Bahoya entered in the 12th minute after Ethan Mbappé suffered a heavy blow to his ankle. Senny Mayulu was then replaced in the 41st minute, with Noé Lebreton taking his place after what appeared to be a muscle problem.
It remains to be seen whether Mbappé, of Lille, and Paris player Mayulu will have to return to their clubs for treatment. Their availability will be watched closely before France resume their qualifying campaign at the Stade de la Source in Orléans.
The standings nevertheless offer clear encouragement. Switzerland, France’s nearest challengers, were heavily beaten by Iceland, leaving Les Bleuets three points clear at the top, although France have played one match more.
France will host Luxembourg on Saturday at 19:00 before welcoming Switzerland to Orléans next Tuesday, also at 19:00. Those two home fixtures could further tighten their grip on a place at the 2027 finals.
