August 17, 2024 by Adel Saoud
Epinal captain Gaëtan Bussmann and the hero of the day, Jawad Kalai, congratulate each other after SAS Épinal’s success against Beauvais this Friday evening
© Justine Touvenot
SAS Football Épinal offered its supporters an evening full of suspense and twists and turns during this first day of National 2, under the sun of the Stade de la Colombière. Against Beauvais, the Vosgiens had to fight until the last minute to snatch a precious victory, winning 3-2. In a match where nothing was easy, and where the visitors finished the game with nine men after two expulsions, the hero of the day, new arrival Jawad Kalai, distinguished himself with a resounding hat-trick, allowing his team to start the season in the best possible way.
After a season in National, Épinal made its debut in National 2 this Friday with the reception of Beauvais. Following a balanced start to the match, it was SAS who opened the scoring thanks to their new recruit, Jawad Kalai, already well integrated into the squad (1-0, 26′). However, the visitors, far from being defeated, reacted quickly through Nsikulu, who brought the two teams back to level (1-1, 35′).
The second half was just as hard-fought, with some important moments in the game. Reduced to ten men after Marques was sent off for a second yellow card in the 54th minute, Beauvais conceded a second goal five minutes later, once again scored by Kalai (2-1, 59′). Far from losing heart, the Picards found the resources to come back into the game once again, despite a second sending off. It was Nsikulu again who took charge of converting a penalty, reviving the visitors’ hopes (2-2, 72′).
A late and happy outcome for Epinal
While the game seemed to be heading towards an unexpected draw for Beauvais, it was Jawad Kalai who once again made the difference. Logically dominant, the Vosges were rewarded two minutes from the end of regulation time when the Epinalian striker scored a hat-trick that sealed the victory (3-2, 88′).
Although this success was difficult to obtain, it is nonetheless promising for the rest of the season. Nicolas Rabuel’s men showed character to snatch the essential, namely the 3 points of victory. The next match promises to be just as thrilling with a trip to Fleury’s pitch, where the Vosges will have to confirm their good start to the season.
SAS Epinal 3-2 Beauvais
(1-1 at half-time)
Referee: M. Djedid
Buts :
Epinal: Kalai (26th, 59th, 88th)
Beauvais : Nsikulu (35e), 72e (penalty)
Warnings:
Epinal: Colin (63rd)
Beauvais: Ménard (44th), Marques (51st), Dabo (90th)
Jawad Kalai scored a hat-trick in his first match with SAS ÉpinalJawad Kalai, the new star of the SAS
Having arrived at the beginning of July from Valenciennes, Jawad Kalai wasted no time in making headlines. The 23-year-old striker, who joined Épinal to find a coach he knows well, quickly showed the extent of his talent. Author of his team’s three goals, Kalai was the X factor in this first success for Épinal. His promising debut augurs an exciting season for the Franco-Moroccan, who is already shaping up to be one of the strong men in this team.