Ghanaian midfielder Augustine Boakye delivered a standout performance for Saint-Etienne, playing a decisive role in his side’s victory over Metz in Ligue 2.
Saint-Etienne had been frustrated for more than an hour as Metz successfully kept the game under control and prevented the home side from making the breakthrough.
The deadlock was finally broken after 66 minutes when Boakye produced a moment of quality to change the direction of the match.
The Ghanaian midfielder first turned provider, delivering the assist for Saint-Etienne’s opening goal and helping his side finally find a way through the Metz defence.
Boakye did not stop there.
Just four minutes after setting up the opener, the midfielder found the back of the net himself to double Saint-Etienne’s advantage and put his team firmly in control.
His quick-fire contribution transformed a tightly contested encounter into a match Saint-Etienne could manage from a position of strength.
The performance was another indication of Boakye’s growing influence in France, with the Ghanaian establishing himself as one of Saint-Etienne’s important attacking players.
Boakye has enjoyed an impressive start to the Ligue 2 campaign and currently has seven goal involvements to his name.
His tally consists of four goals and three assists, placing him joint-second among the league’s leading scorers while also ranking second for assists and total goal involvements.
His latest display against Metz therefore adds to a growing body of performances in which he has demonstrated his ability to both create opportunities for teammates and finish chances himself.
The 28-year-old’s contribution is particularly significant because Saint-Etienne had struggled to break Metz down for long periods of the game.
Boakye’s intervention provided the spark his side needed, with the midfielder producing both the creativity and finishing required to change the contest within a matter of minutes.
For Saint-Etienne, his form will be an important asset as the club looks to maintain momentum in the Ligue 2 campaign.
For Ghana, meanwhile, Boakye’s performances in France are likely to attract attention as the Black Stars continue preparations for their upcoming international assignments.
With Carlos Queiroz assessing his squad and monitoring players performing strongly at club level, Boakye’s numbers give him another basis for consideration.
Seven goal involvements, including four goals and three assists, underline the attacking influence he is currently having in Ligue 2.
His performance against Metz was another reminder of his qualities, as he waited patiently for his opportunity before producing two decisive contributions in just four minutes.
Boakye will now hope to maintain his consistency and continue contributing goals and assists for Saint-Etienne as the Ligue 2 season progresses.
