Les Parisiennes start the season with a draw at the Bollaert
Women's football•
The Paris Saint-Germain Women’s team drew 1-1 with RC Lens on Saturday 6 September, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, on the Matchday 1 of the Première Ligue.
A new season kicked off with a trip to Pas-de-Calais for the club from the capital to face Lens. It was a historic match for the Sang et Or, their very first in the top tier of French women’s football, in front of 10,712 spectators (a new record for the RCL Women’s team), and for Paulo César, who was making his official debut as head coach of Paris Saint-Germain. For this occasion, the Brazilian lined up Mary Earps in goal, Crystal Dunn, Elisa De Almeida, Eva Gaetino, Griedge Mbock and Tara Elimbi Gilbert in defence, newcomer Florianne Jourde, made her first appearance in France, alongside Jackie Groenen and captain Sakina Karchaoui in midfield, and an attacking duo of Joe Echegini and Merveille Kanjinga.
It was the latter who broke the deadlock with a fine right-footed shot across goal to beat Blandine Joly (0-1, 25’). Jourde came very close to doubling the lead before half-time but struck the crossbar from 20 metres out (39’).
After the break, the Lens goalkeeper shone again, notably denying the Canadian’s effort (65’). Just a few minutes after coming on, Sherly Jeudy headed home Kaina El Koumir’s cross to equalise (1-1, 84’) and secure a point for her side.
Next up for our Rouge et Bleu is their big debut at the PSG Campus on Saturday 20 September at 21:00 for Matchday 2 of the Première Ligue, against FC Nantes, who opened their season with a 2-1 victory over AS Saint-Étienne.