Paris FC found its cutting edge again when it mattered most at Charléty, turning a tense second half into a 4-1 victory over Lens on Saturday and moving into third place in the Arkema Première Ligue.
The hosts had appeared to be cruising after an explosive opening quarter, but a Lens penalty brought the visitors back into contention shortly after the interval. Paris FC then survived a spell of frustration, including two efforts against the crossbar in the same attack, before Mariam Toloba’s superb late finish restored breathing room. Anaële Le Moguédec added a fourth before the final whistle.
Toloba strikes twice as Paris FC makes a fast start
Paris FC, finalists in last season’s league competition, set the tone from the opening minutes. Melween N’Dongala tested the Lens goalkeeper in the third minute with a long-range effort that had to be pushed away from the top corner.
Toloba broke the deadlock three minutes later. The Belgian forward capitalised on an error by Lens centre-back Jennyfer Limage after a long ball, raced through on goal and finished to make it 1-0.
Clara Mateo, wearing the captain’s armband, doubled the advantage in the 14th minute. Paris FC won the ball high up the pitch and, after a favourable rebound, Mateo finished left-footed to put the home side two goals ahead.
Lens penalty changes the picture
Despite Paris FC’s control, Lens was offered a route back into the game early in the second half. N’Dongala collided with Noémie Gelders inside the penalty area as the Lens player arrived to meet a cross.
Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty. Emma Smaali converted in the 52nd minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and forcing Paris FC to manage a far less comfortable contest.
The Paris side continued to create opportunities but could not immediately finish the job. In the 74th minute, Manoly Baquerizo struck the crossbar with a header before Évelyne Viens hit it again moments later.
Late goals seal a 4-1 win
Toloba finally removed any doubt in the 86th minute. Her right-footed curling effort flew into the Lens top corner, completing her brace and giving Paris FC a 3-1 lead.
Three minutes later, Aurélie Reynders delivered a cross towards the penalty spot and Le Moguédec met it with a well-directed header to complete the scoring.
The result leaves Paris FC third after four rounds of the Arkema Première Ligue, behind Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon.
