Ligue 1: Ally Samatta Scores Le Havre’s First Goal of the Season

Ally Samatta made Tanzanian football history by scoring Le Havre’s first goal of the season in Ligue 1. The 33-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 74th minute away to Olympique Lyonnais, before Lyon eventually snatched an equaliser late in the game (1-1).

Le Havre thought they had secured a valuable victory at the Groupama Stadium. Shortly after Lyon had a goal ruled out for offside, the visitors immediately struck. In the 74th minute, Fodé Doucouré, who had come on just a few minutes earlier, delivered a superb cross towards Ally Samatta.

The Tanzanian rose highest and headed the ball past the goalkeeper to give Le Havre the lead. The goal not only gave the Normandy club their first goal of the season but also marked a historic first for its scorer.

A Historic First for Tanzania

With this goal, Ally Samatta became the first Tanzanian player to score in Ligue 1. The striker already holds another rare distinction in his country. He is also the first and only Tanzanian player to have played and scored in the English Premier League.

His goal in Lyon therefore adds another milestone to a career that has seen him play in several European leagues.

Already Half of Last Season’s Total

The goal is also significant on a personal level. Samatta has started the new season with a goal that already represents half of his tally from the previous campaign, when he found the net 10 times.

At 33, the striker continues to make an impact in Le Havre’s attack and has shown that he can still be an important asset for the Normandy club.

Lyon Equalise Late

Le Havre had long believed they could leave Lyon with all three points. However, the hosts eventually found a way through in the 87th minute thanks to Luis Openda, who rescued Lyon from defeat.

Le Havre will therefore have to settle for a draw, but Samatta can look back on a memorable evening: his goal kick-started his team’s scoring campaign and, above all, allowed him to write another chapter in Tanzanian football history.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.