Annecy suffered a frustrating home defeat on Friday 18 September, losing 1-2 to Dijon FCO in Ligue 2's Matchday 7. Two late goals from Júlio Tavares overturned a match where the hosts had taken the lead through Clément Billemaz.
Manager Laurent Guyot set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation with Florian Escales in goal. The opening goal came late in the first half. From a team move, Clément Billemaz beat Paul Delecroix with a precise finish (41st minute). Annecy's advantage held until the final quarter of an hour, despite a yellow card for Ahmed Kashi just before the break and another for Mohamed Koné in the second period.
Dijon, who dominated possession with 61%, equalised through substitute Júlio Tavares. Set up by fellow substitute Adel Lembezat, the striker scored his first (77th minute). Five minutes later, Tavares completed his brace and gave the visitors the decisive lead (82nd minute). Annecy pushed for a late equaliser but could not find a way through, despite twelve attempts and five corners.
This defeat halts Annecy's positive momentum, though the club remains fifth in the Ligue 2 table with ten points. The side has now lost its last two matches and will look to bounce back in the next away fixture at Dunkerque on 9 October. Analysis of individual performances is available in our detailed stats.
The international break comes at a good time for Laurent Guyot and his squad, who must rediscover defensive solidity to confirm their place in the upper reaches of the table. The match at Dunkerque, who sit eighth, presents an immediate opportunity for a response.
On September 19, manager Laurent Guyot confirmed that defender Ahmed Kashi suffered an ankle injury during the 1-2 defeat to Dijon. Guyot said, "It's a sprain, we are awaiting the MRI results." Annecy, now sixth with ten points, has conceded nine goals this season.
