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PSG suffer defeat in Nicole Payne’s unofficial starting debut against Le Harve
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigerian defender, Nicole Payne made her unofficial debut for PSG as they bowed 3-1 loss to fellow French top-flight rivals Le Havre in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023/2024 French D1 Arkema campaign.
Payne, the younger sister of Nigeria midfielder, Toni started the encounter which saw her club scoring the first goal of the contest before they eventually capitulated at Angela Davis Sports Complex, in Alizay on Saturday.
Le Havre had control of the game for the first period but without clear-cut chance to open the scoring.
PSG, however, had the first real chance of the match in the first half as the former French champions sought the opener only to struck the crossbar.
PSG captain Sandy Baltimore broke the deadlock in the 34th minute as she coolly finished a one-on-one chance with the opposing goalkeeper.
In the 40th minute, Le Havre equalised with a beautiful volley and took the lead two minutes before halftime as a defensive error led to a penalty, giving Le Havre captain, Deja Davis the chance to convert from the spot.
In the second half, Le Havre increased their lead as striker, Chancelle Effa Effa made it 3-1.
Payne was substituted in the second half as the weakened PSG side with major players at the FIFA Women’s World Cup started their preparation for the season with a 3-1 loss to Le Havre.
The Parisien will next face Dutch side, PSV Eindhoven in another friendly match as some French internationals are expected to return to the team after the World Cup ouster.
The 2023/2024 French women’s top flight season will kick off on September 16 with PSG facing Bordeaux.
