France: Bourabaa shines with a goal and an assist (video)

Adil Bourabaa and Le Mans believed they could achieve a remarkable feat against RC Lens for a long time. Supported by a particularly brilliant young Algerian, the promoted side delivered an attractive performance before watching the Sang et Or come back in a completely wild match.

The Stade Marie-Marvingt hosted an excellent spectacle this Sunday during the 4th round of Ligue 1. Following a dynamic match full of chances, Le Mans and RC Lens finished with a score of 2-2, despite the hosts having taken a two-goal lead.

Among the key contributors to Le Mans' performance, Adil Bourabaa stood out. Positioned in midfield, the young Algerian was omnipresent in his team's positive plays. He first perfectly followed a move that ended with a header from Mafouta, which was cleared by the Lens defense, to pop up at the right moment and open the scoring in the 32nd minute.

But Bourabaa did not stop at just scoring. Twelve minutes later, he became the decisive passer with a superb lobbed pass into space. Lucas Calodat, perfectly timed, then showed composure to double the lead in the 44th minute.

Le Mans seemed to be in complete control. However, Lens responded just before halftime with Abdallah Sima, who headed in from a cross by Florian Thauvin. A goal that completely reignited the Artésiens.

Upon returning from the break, the Lens players quickly equalized through Franjo Ivanovic, also with a header, in the 51st minute. Despite several chances for both sides in the second half, neither team managed to take the lead.

This result undoubtedly leaves regrets for Le Mans, who had shown a lot of character against a Lens team still marked by their European trip to Prague three days earlier. The Sarthois notably struggled with their lack of efficiency in the final third.

For Bourabaa, however, this match mainly confirms his rise in form. The young Algerian, who recently reached the top level after playing in Beauvais in the fourth division, continues to prove that he can quickly establish himself as one of the revelations of the start of the season. Le Mans now has three points after four matches, while Lens remains at four points.

At the start and at the conclusion, Adil Bourabaa once again

He is impressive pic.twitter.com/pjGEamv7Mu

— Jordan (@jordanpardon_) September 13, 2026

Adil Bourabaa, I have no words left pic.twitter.com/ltiDzddD8E

— Jordan (@jordanpardon_) September 13, 2026

DZfoot