Monaco secured a 2-1 victory against Lens on Friday, solidifying their position at the top of the Ligue 1 table. This match marked Folarin Balogun’s first appearance of the season, contributing to Monaco’s strong start in the league. The win underscores Monaco’s competitive edge as they aim for success in the current season.
That would have ruled him out of the last-16 clash with Belgium before an intervention by US President Donald Trump led to FIFA suspending the card. Balogun was therefore cleared to play against the Belgians, but the USA lost 4-1.
Monaco are still unbeaten and have 13 points after five matches, leaving them three points clear of nearest challengers Lille and Rennes before the rest of the weekend’s action. The 25-year-old former Arsenal striker then looked set to join Everton in a £40 million move on transfer deadline day at the start of this month, only to have a last-minute change of heart. Paris Brunner, the young German striker, gave the principality club a first-half lead with his sixth goal in seven games since the beginning of the campaign. But Cahuzac saw his team slump to defeat as unlucky defender Jonathan Gradit headed into his own net in the 84th minute. Balogun came off the bench in the 76th minute, taking to the field for the first time since the World Cup. He caught the eye with his performances at the tournament, scoring three goals for co-hosts the United States.
Matthieu Udol headed in the equaliser on the hour mark for last season’s runners-up Lens, who were playing their first match since the shock sacking of coach Dino Toppmoeller after just six games in charge.
