Valenciennes

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1732735/article/2026-08-29/ligue-3-il-manque-l-audace-valenciennes-et-un-vrai-grain-de-folie

Ligue 3: Valenciennes lacked daring—and a real touch of flair

Toothless, VA posed little threat to Concarneau this Saturday in a match devoid of life or spark (0-0). Pierre Blois’s men primarily needed to steady the ship following last week’s defeat against Paris 13; to their credit, they remained solid.

A few boos did drift down from the stands at the final whistle—nothing too harsh—but the supporters' section remained true to the stance it had adopted for its big return to the Stade du Hainaut (following the previous match against Bourg-en-Bresse). The order of the day is unconditional support for VAFC, even after a match notably lacking in moments of brilliance—to put it mildly. Truth be told, it was a thoroughly dull affair at the Stade du Hainaut, with neither side willing to take any risks.

"I prefer to see the glass as half-full"

Valenciennes, in particular, needed to regain some confidence after somehow managing to lose to Paris 13 despite enjoying 72% possession. "I prefer to see the glass as half-full," said Pierre Blois. "We picked up a point this Saturday, kept a clean sheet, and remain unbeaten at home." Training that week had focused primarily on these aspects: "being more solid, giving the opposition less space, and being sharper on second balls." Like model pupils well-briefed on the strengths of a Breton side now playing under the "Moulin method"—"I knew Stéphane would be waiting for us with his pacy forwards"—the "Red and Whites" were never really troubled, save perhaps for a header by Loïc Goujon that forced a save from Jean Louchet (58th minute).

It was something of a tit-for-tat moment, coming just two minutes after a free-kick from Thibault Maréchal had found Gaëtan Courtet’s head at the far post—though the effort went over the bar—sending a (slight) shiver down the spines of the Concarneau side. Otherwise, VA lacked the attacking initiative to cause any real alarm, save for a series of shots from Rayane Ekra—only one of which was on target. "In terms of attack, it’s not enough," admitted Pierre Blois, "but then again, Rome wasn't built in a day; it’s going to take time." The coach is also counting on the return of injured players and reinforcements from the transfer market to speed up the process. VA is back in action soon, with a match in Rouen this Thursday.

Pierre BLOIS and Stéphane MOULIN

VALENCIENNES – CONCARNEAU: 0-0.

Stade du Hainaut. 4,864 spectators.

Referee: Mr. Gazon.

Bookings: Passi (Valenciennes, 61st); Janno (Concarneau, 13th), Divialle-Corbière (Concarneau, 55th).

Valenciennes: Louchet; Abu, Passi (capt.), Zogba, Rocchia (Wahib, 87th); Rouaï, Maréchal; Amir (Lebouath, 78th), Marcel (Boiteau, 78th), Ekra (Lesueur, 87th); Courtet (Abi, 70th). Coach: Pierre Blois.

Concarneau: Viot; Halby-Touré, Seba, Divialle-Corbière, Etcheverria; Daou; Sidibé (Macon, 46th), Goujon (Gbelle, 90+4), Picouleau, Rosier (Mercier, 72nd); Janno (Varvat, 78th). Coach: Stéphane Moulin.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello everyone.

First of all, congratulations on yesterday's win against Millwall.

A look back at yesterday's match:

Since I wasn't at the stadium, I can't give you my own opinion, but from the many reports I've heard, it was a dull game with few chances—resulting in a draw that seemed almost inevitable...

I hope the arrival of Issa Tounkara and the new striker next week will add some extra quality to the team.

Valenciennes' next match: An away game against FC Rouen on Thursday, September 3rd, at 8:45 PM (French time).

As for my comparison between Tonda and Pierre, I mainly made that point because both had been reserve team coaches before being promoted to the first team. 🙃

Have a great Sunday, everyone.

Allez Valenciennes, all the way! 😎

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

https://www.va-fc.com/articles/34640

Issa Tounkara joins VAFC on loan until the end of the season

A promising young talent from Malian football has just arrived in Valenciennes. The 18-year-old Issa Tounkara was loaned to VAFC this Monday by Southampton—a club also owned by the Sport Republic group—for the remainder of the season.

A defensive midfielder, the player came up through the ranks at the Malian academy *Etoiles du Mandé* before signing with Southampton last June. As captain of Mali’s U17 team, he reached the final of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations with his national side last season. A player with immense potential, Issa Tounkara now hopes to take the next step in his development while wearing the Valenciennes colors. Welcome to VA, Issa!

Issa Tounkara, VAFC’s new signing: "I came to Valenciennes to continue my development and give my all to help this great club in Ligue 3. I am a defensive midfielder who wins back a lot of possession and has good passing ability. I can't wait to get started in my new colors."

Jean-Christophe Cesto, VAFC Sporting Coordinator: "Issa is a player who was recruited by Southampton. However, as part of his development, the idea was to include an intermediate step at Valenciennes. Above all, his profile matches exactly what we were looking for: an aggressive defensive midfielder—a defensive anchor capable of bringing power and strength. That was the type of profile we were missing in the squad. We are very happy to bring him in, as he is a player with huge potential. We will play a part in his development so that he can help us perform well this season."

[Göztepe]

Friends from Valenciennes, what sort of player is Mohamed Kaba? Is he a number 6 or a number 8 who can carry the ball?

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello my friend!

Here is what I can tell you about Mohamed Kaba:

His preferred position: Defensive midfielder / Central midfielder (Number 6 or 8)—he plays both roles!

Here is a summary the AI helped me put together (and it is generally spot-on):

He is an athletic, box-to-box midfielder capable of playing just in front of the defense to break up play or a notch higher to drive the transition forward.

Key Strengths

Work rate and physical impact: He has a tremendous capacity for repeated high-intensity efforts, winning duels, and recovering possession frequently.

Ball recovery: Excellent timing in tackles and interceptions; he effectively disrupts the opposition's lines immediately after losing possession.

Forward drive and ball-carrying: He doesn't just defend; he has the ability to break lines with the ball at his feet through powerful bursts of acceleration up the middle.

Maturity and leadership: Despite his youth during his time at VAFC, he quickly demonstrated great consistency and genuine tactical maturity.

Areas for improvement / Weaknesses

Discipline and commitment: His positive aggression in duels can sometimes lead to avoidable cards or fouls in dangerous areas.

Finishing and final action: While he makes good forward runs, there is still room for improvement regarding his final shot or the decisive pass needed to boost his stats.

Managing quiet spells: He could still learn to channel his intensity when the team is under pressure—settling the play down rather than constantly seeking physical impact.

My summary: he was a highly appreciated player here in Valenciennes who gave his all on the pitch, wasn't afraid of physical contact, was often well-positioned, and had good game vision; personally, I was never really worried when he was on the field.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello friends, I hope you're doing well.

Valenciennes news:

** SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW **

The summer transfer window has closed for Valenciennes; once again, it saw plenty of comings and goings.

The latest signings—Issa Tounkara (Southampton FC) and Junior Ndiaye (Montpellier)—have both joined VA on loan for the season.

The club retains the option to bring in more players on loan if the need arises.

** THIRD KIT **

The third kit was unveiled this week; it’s blue—I’ve included a look at it below.

** MATCHDAY **

Today, Valenciennes plays away at FC Rouen. It promises to be a tough match—I’d take a draw!

Kick-off is at 8:45 PM French time.

I’m sharing some local press articles below.

Allez VA!

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1733783/article/2026-09-02/vafc-avec-un-nouveau-maillot-en-hommage-la-dentelle-mais-quelle-equipe-pour

VAFC: A new lace-inspired kit—but what lineup will Valenciennes field in Rouen?

VAFC kicks off Matchday 5 of the Ligue 3 season this Thursday at 8:45 PM in Rouen. They will debut their third kit for the match but will still have to contend with a few absences.

Featuring a stunning dark blue design with lace-inspired patterns—a nod to the lace-making heritage of the Cambrésis region—VAFC’s third kit for this season is expected to be a hit with fans. Pierre Blois’s squad will wear it for the first time this Thursday evening to open the fifth round of Ligue 3 action. The match will be broadcast in prime time on Ligue 1+, and the team aims to inject some momentum into a sluggish start to the season—having secured just 4 points from 4 games—in terms of both results and overall performance.

The Valenciennes squad will look stylish in Normandy, but they won't be at full strength. As has been the case since the start of the season, Kader Diomande and Samir Belloumou remain sidelined by injury, though the coaching staff anticipates their return within a week. Meanwhile, Kylian Kouakou is out for another four months following meniscus surgery.

Rocchia out for two weeks; Tounkara not quite ready

VA will also be without Christopher Rocchia, who is sidelined for the next two weeks due to a hamstring injury. The left-back—a regular starter under Pierre Blois since the season began—is likely to be replaced by Abdelwahed Wahib, assuming the Valenciennes coach opts for a like-for-like replacement.

Decisions regarding the two late-window signings have not yet been finalized. Midfielder Issa Tounkara, on loan from Southampton, arrived on Monday and has trained all week; however, having not played a match since June, he will first spend time with the reserve team before making his debut in Ligue 3.

Junior Ndiaye is ready, but…

Montpellier forward Junior Ndiaye arrived in the Hainaut region this Wednesday and took part in his first training session with his new team. He completed the full pre-season with Montpellier and is match-fit, though as of Wednesday, VAFC was still awaiting administrative approval for the loan. If the paperwork arrives in time, he will travel with the squad to Rouen.

Rouen vs. VAFC, Thursday at 8:45 PM. Absentees: Belloumou, Diomande, Rocchia, Tounkara.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

VAFC : Issa Tounkara et Junior Ndiaye sont arrivés mais le mercato de Valenciennes n’est pas terminé - La Voix du Nord

VAFC: Issa Tounkara and Junior Ndiaye have arrived, but Valenciennes’ transfer business isn’t over yet

Valenciennes, still able to sign a free agent or a loan player, is seriously considering bolstering its squad with a wide player to cover for Kylian Kouakou’s long-term absence.

With the loan signings of midfielder Issa Tounkara (Southampton) and forward Junior Ndiaye (Montpellier) finalized right at the end of the transfer window, Valenciennes had completed its recruitment plan as intended. However, a season is a long journey full of twists and turns, and VA quickly learned this the hard way this year. After suffering a meniscus injury during the final pre-season match against Boulogne in late July, Kylian Kouakou required surgery; he is expected to be sidelined for four months—nearly half the season.

"Four months means sixteen matches—that’s 48 points," calculates Pierre Blois, emphasizing the significant duration of his player's absence. A professional at Valenciennes for two years, Kouakou had previously seen limited playing time under the various coaches who had managed the team, but he appeared poised to start the current season with a new status and the coaching staff's confidence.

"It would be good to have an extra player."

Having scored a hat-trick in just eight minutes during pre-season and looking set to become a key asset for VAFC, Kouakou saw his prospects suddenly dim before the season even began. His injury also forced the club to rethink its plans; the impact of his absence was felt immediately at the start of the season, especially since Kader Diomande has also been sidelined since late July. Suddenly, Valenciennes found itself short of options on the flanks, making the need to cover for Kouakou’s absence increasingly urgent. "We also have Zaïd Amir, a potential international (for the Comoros), and there will undoubtedly be injuries and suspensions, so yes, we think it would be good to bring in an extra player," acknowledges the Valenciennes coach. "That said, there is a difference between what is possible on the market and what we can afford financially." VA could sign a free agent or bring in a new loan signing. Whatever the option, the need is real, and the transfer window isn't quite closed yet.

ROUEN (2nd) vs. VALENCIENNES (13th), Thursday at 8:45 PM, live on Ligue 1+

[spyinthesky]

Christophe,
Any idea the type of weekly wage your players are on at Valenciennes?

[ChristopheVAFC]

1 hour ago, spyinthesky said:

Christophe,
Any idea the type of weekly wage your players are on at Valenciennes?

In France, salaries are quoted on a monthly rather than a weekly basis. While I don't have the specific pay scale for individual players, I believe they range from a minimum of €1,500 per month (around £1,300) to a maximum of roughly €15,000 per month (about £13,000).

Furthermore, in the third division, salaries are capped; clubs cannot simply pay whatever they want, as the system is strictly regulated.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello friends, I hope you're doing well.

A look back at yesterday's match: no winner between Rouen and Valenciennes (1-1).

I'm sharing a written summary of the match below.

Have a great day.

Quote

« Un vrai sketch », de l’orgueil et un premier point à l’extérieur, la drôle de soirée de Valenciennes à Rouen - La Voix du Nord

"A total farce," pride, and a first away point: Valenciennes’ bizarre night in Rouen

Penalized late in the first half by a bizarre failure of the *Football Vidéo Support* (FVS) system, Valenciennes found the resolve to equalize and bring home their first away point of the season from Rouen (1-1).

It is hard to know whether to laugh or cry, but the *Football Vidéo Support* (FVS)—the "budget VAR" introduced this season in Ligue 3—has once again made headlines for the wrong reasons. There was the disallowed goal against Caen after a lengthy delay, followed by multiple interruptions during the win over Bourg-en-Bresse; now, Valenciennes has learned the hard way just how much this innovation—laudable on paper—is struggling in its infancy. On the pitch in Rouen, the FVS offered no support at all and turned into a bad joke.

"We have a technical problem..."

Right at the end of a first half where VA had been put under pressure but remained solid, Rouen was awarded a penalty. The Valenciennes camp disputed the call and—as per the FVS protocol—requested a video review. The referee, however, was never able to see the footage. "We have a technical problem; there will be no analysis of this situation," the referee was heard telling a dumbfounded Pierre Blois—an exchange captured by Ligue 1+ cameras, which *did* actually have the footage.

The cable wasn't plugged in

Malik Tchokounté converted the penalty, and the FVS system miraculously came back online; it turned out—believe it or not—that a cable had simply been plugged back in. "It’s a farce, a total scandal," the Valenciennes camp fumed, and rightly so. But the damage was done for the Northerners, who had shown grit even if they hadn't posed much of an attacking threat in the first half. The amateurish nature and absurdity of the situation did, however, have the merit of stirring the pride of Pierre Blois’s men; they returned with greater attacking ambition and were deservedly rewarded when Zaïd Amir delivered a perfect cross to Rayane Ekra, who was unmarked at the far post.

It was a well-deserved reward, even though they had to grit their teeth for a long spell against a strong Rouen side to hold onto the point. This marks Valenciennes' first away point of the season—one earned under circumstances they are unlikely to forget soon.

ROUEN – VALENCIENNES: 1-1 (1-0)

Goals: Tchokounte (45+4' pen) for Rouen; Ekra (67') for Valenciennes

Bookings: Valenciennes – Rouaï (15'), Ekra (25'), Zogba (81'); Rouen – Touré (23'), Bassin (69')

ROUEN: Maraval; Gaspar, Lamgahez (Borne 69'), Mendy, Bassin (c); Touré (Traoré 69'), Camara; Tramoni (Diaby 76'), Sommer, Karamoko (Viana 90+2'); Tchokounté (Pacius 90+2'). Coach: Régis Brouard

VAFC: Louchet; Abu, Goprou, Passi (c), Wahib; Zogba, Rouaï, Marechal (Ndiaye 75'); Ekra (Marcel 88'), Abi (Courtet 88'), Amir (Meité 90+4'). Coach: Pierre Blois

[Saint86]

5 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Hello friends, I hope you're doing well.

A look back at yesterday's match: no winner between Rouen and Valenciennes (1-1).

I'm sharing a written summary of the match below.

Have a great day.

"A total farce," pride, and a first away point: Valenciennes’ bizarre night in Rouen

Penalized late in the first half by a bizarre failure of the *Football Vidéo Support* (FVS) system, Valenciennes found the resolve to equalize and bring home their first away point of the season from Rouen (1-1).

It is hard to know whether to laugh or cry, but the *Football Vidéo Support* (FVS)—the "budget VAR" introduced this season in Ligue 3—has once again made headlines for the wrong reasons. There was the disallowed goal against Caen after a lengthy delay, followed by multiple interruptions during the win over Bourg-en-Bresse; now, Valenciennes has learned the hard way just how much this innovation—laudable on paper—is struggling in its infancy. On the pitch in Rouen, the FVS offered no support at all and turned into a bad joke.

"We have a technical problem..."

Right at the end of a first half where VA had been put under pressure but remained solid, Rouen was awarded a penalty. The Valenciennes camp disputed the call and—as per the FVS protocol—requested a video review. The referee, however, was never able to see the footage. "We have a technical problem; there will be no analysis of this situation," the referee was heard telling a dumbfounded Pierre Blois—an exchange captured by Ligue 1+ cameras, which *did* actually have the footage.

The cable wasn't plugged in

Malik Tchokounté converted the penalty, and the FVS system miraculously came back online; it turned out—believe it or not—that a cable had simply been plugged back in. "It’s a farce, a total scandal," the Valenciennes camp fumed, and rightly so. But the damage was done for the Northerners, who had shown grit even if they hadn't posed much of an attacking threat in the first half. The amateurish nature and absurdity of the situation did, however, have the merit of stirring the pride of Pierre Blois’s men; they returned with greater attacking ambition and were deservedly rewarded when Zaïd Amir delivered a perfect cross to Rayane Ekra, who was unmarked at the far post.

It was a well-deserved reward, even though they had to grit their teeth for a long spell against a strong Rouen side to hold onto the point. This marks Valenciennes' first away point of the season—one earned under circumstances they are unlikely to forget soon.

ROUEN – VALENCIENNES: 1-1 (1-0)

Goals: Tchokounte (45+4' pen) for Rouen; Ekra (67') for Valenciennes

Bookings: Valenciennes – Rouaï (15'), Ekra (25'), Zogba (81'); Rouen – Touré (23'), Bassin (69')

ROUEN: Maraval; Gaspar, Lamgahez (Borne 69'), Mendy, Bassin (c); Touré (Traoré 69'), Camara; Tramoni (Diaby 76'), Sommer, Karamoko (Viana 90+2'); Tchokounté (Pacius 90+2'). Coach: Régis Brouard

VAFC: Louchet; Abu, Goprou, Passi (c), Wahib; Zogba, Rouaï, Marechal (Ndiaye 75'); Ekra (Marcel 88'), Abi (Courtet 88'), Amir (Meité 90+4'). Coach: Pierre Blois

Unplugged by Rouen? 🧐

[ChristopheVAFC]

8 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Unplugged by Rouen? 🧐

Club resume match

Quote

https://www.va-fc.com/articles/au-courage-et-contre-l'injustice%2C-va-va-chercher-un-bon-point-à-rouen-34681

Showing grit in the face of injustice, VA secures a hard-fought point at Rouen

Whether in the Coupe de France or the league, things—good or bad—always seem to happen for VA when they visit Rouen. But what unfolded this Thursday evening in Normandy went beyond the ordinary. VA had to overcome the unthinkable to secure their first away point of the season (1–1).

Regardless of the outcome, the 44th minute of the match will go down in Ligue 3 history. Just after a highly questionable penalty was awarded against VAFC, the referee went to check it via VAR—or FVS, as it is known in Ligue 3 this season. The problem? The referee’s monitor wasn't working. The reason? A cable had been unplugged moments earlier. Intentional or not, the penalty couldn't be reviewed; the referee stuck with his initial decision, and Rouen opened the scoring just before halftime—at which point, miraculously, the VAR system started working again.

It was a cruel twist of fate following a first half where VA had withstood heavy pressure from Rouen before finally cracking due to an unverified penalty.

Rayane Ekra equalizes

It was enough to make one want to bang their head against the wall and scream about a curse. But instead of wallowing, the *Rouge et Blanc* returned from the dressing room with renewed purpose. They managed to level the score in the 67th minute thanks to Rayane Ekra’s third goal of the season, set up by Amir. Shortly after, Amir could have put VA ahead, but Rouen dominated the closing stages, forcing goalkeeper Louchet to pull off a crucial save (85th minute) to avert disaster.

Ultimately, this hard-earned draw is a welcome result for the Valenciennes squad, who will now hope to build on this away point when they face Fleury at the Stade du Hainaut on Saturday, September 12.