FCR Held to a Draw by Valenciennes

The Red Devils earned a point against Valenciennes. Rouen had opportunities to win the game but were unable to score a second goal. The FCR remains undefeated after five matchdays.

The Karamoko-Sommer duo stood out with Rouen’s first chances (8’, 11’, 12’). Then Tramoni, off a pass from Tchokounté, was denied by Louchet (14’). The Valenciennes goalkeeper then made two spectacular saves against Karamoko and Sommer (15’). Finally, as the match evened out over the next 30 minutes, FCR broke through just before halftime. Karamoko raced up the entire Valenciennes half and was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty converted by Tchokounté (1-0, 45+4′).

After the break, the ever-active Sommer got into a shooting position in the box following a nice dribble. His left-footed shot went wide (55′). That one-goal lead kept Valenciennes within striking distance. VAFC capitalized on a counterattack. Amir crossed to Ekra, who finished (1-1, 68′). The FCR tried to regain the lead, first with crosses that lacked precision, and then with a sudden shot from 20 meters by Sommer that Louchet deflected (85′). The Red Devils were unable to find the back of the net a second time in this match and were held to a draw by the VAFC. After five matchdays, Rouen remains undefeated.

Match Report
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Robert-Diochon Stadium
FC Rouen 1899 – Valenciennes FC: 1-1 (1-0)

Referee: Mr. Dasque.

Attendance: 4,746 spectators.

Goals for Rouen: Tchokounté (45+4′, pen); for Valenciennes: Ekra (68′).

Yellow cards for Rouen: Touré (24′); for Valenciennes: Rouai (16′), Ekra (26′), Zogba (81′).

FC Rouen 1899: A. Maraval– J. Gaspar, Z. Lamgahez (M. Borne, 70′), F. Mendy, C. Bassin (c.) – A. Touré (S. Traoré, 70′), B. Camara – L. Tramoni (S. Diaby, 77′), N. Sommer, I. Karamoko (J. Viana, 90′) – M. Tchokounté (W. Pacius, 90′).

Head Coach: Régis Brouard.

Valenciennes FC: J. Louchet – D. Abu, B. Passi (c), D. Goprou, A. Wahib – T. Maréchal (J. Ndiaye, 78′), M. Zogba, M. Rouai – Z. Amir (A. Meite, 90′), C. Abi (G. Courtet, 89′), R. Ekra (V. Marcel, 89′).

Head Coach: Pierre Blois.