FCR Falls to Caen

FCR suffered its first loss of the season in Ligue 3 Betclic. The Rouen team conceded three goals in the first half in Caen and was unable to mount a comeback after the break.

After an intense start to the match on both sides, Caen quickly took the lead. On a corner kick by Botella, Appiah scored with a header (1-0, 8′). Ten minutes later, the FCR thought they had equalized through Tchokounté, off a cross from Diaby (18′). But the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Mendy at the start of the play… The pace didn’t let up after that, but chances were few and far between. Before halftime, El Khoumisti found himself in a good position, but Maraval made a perfect save (38′). Then, the pace picked up in the closing minutes of the first half. The duo responsible for Rouen’s first equalizer sprang into action again. Diaby accelerated and set up Tchokounté, who found the back of Clémentia’s net (1-1, 45′). But that late goal wasn’t the last of the first half. Gnanduillet, first set up by Bolumbu and then played in deep, scored twice in stoppage time (2-1, 45+3, then 3-1, 45+7). FCR headed into the locker room trailing by two goals…

After the break, the pace slowed. And Rouen couldn’t get the game going to close the gap. A nice play set up Mendy for a one-on-one with Clémentia. He missed the target (54′). A penalty was called for on this play, following a challenge, for a foul by the goalkeeper. The referee didn’t blow the whistle. Five minutes later, Karamoko took a shot from the edge of the box, but it was saved (59′). After that, scoring opportunities were few and far between. Brouard made all five of his substitutions. Two substitutes helped the FCR narrow the gap. Tramoni set up Viana, who dribbled past Clémentia and scored (3-2, 92′). The Red Devils then tried to come back. To no avail. Rouen suffered its first loss of the season but remains ahead of tonight’s opponent in the Betclic Ligue 3 standings.

Match Report

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Michel d’Ornano Stadium

SM Caen – FC Rouen 1899: 3-2 (3-1)

Referee: Mr. Lomi.

Goals for Rouen: Tchokounté (45′), Viana (91′); for Caen: Appiah (8′), Gnanduillet (45+3′, 45+7′).

Yellow cards for Rouen: Bassin (37′), Mendy (74′); for Caen: El Khoumisti (14′), Carole (71′), Bomo (73′), Portut (84′).

Red card for Rouen: Brouard (92′).

SM Caen: Y. Clementia – D. Appiah (c.), Y. Diaby (N. Titebah, 62′), L. Carole, D. Bolumbu (H. Lamouliatte, 82′) – J. Kimboma (F. Bomo, 62′), L. Milliner – K. Portut, F. El Khoumisti (Z. Bagbema, 62′), I. Botella (H. Saivet, 76′) – A. Gnanduillet.

Head Coach: Gael Clichy.

FC Rouen 1899: A. Maraval– J. Gaspar, F. Mendy, Z. Lamgahez, C. Bassin (c.) – B. Camara, A. Touré (L. Tramoni, 69′) – S. Diaby (M. Borne, 69′), N. Sommer (E. Egny, 81′), I. Karamoko (W. Pacius, 69′) – M. Tchokounté (J. Viana, 81′).

Coach: Régis Brouard.