Published on April 2, 2026 at 4:43 PM
As the end of the season approaches rapidly, only Nantes players Johann Lepenant and Frédéric Guilbert are concerned about the maintenance issue. It’s a decisive moment for FC Nantes, 17th in Ligue 1 and five points behind Auxerre, the team fighting in the playoffs. March 2026 has been tough for the team where Johann Lepenant plays, appearing very marked and upset after the last home defeat against Strasbourg (2-3). The 23-year-old Granville native has been starting in every recent match, having to adapt to a new coaching change. Ahmed Kantari, who arrived at the beginning of the year, was replaced a few weeks ago by the experienced Vahid Halilhodzic.
The Canaries will face bottom-placed Metz on Sunday, April 5. Frédéric Guilbert from Valognes, who joined Nantes in January, is still waiting for his moment. The former Lecce player has only had about fifteen minutes of play so far, which was against Angers on March 7 (lost 1-0). Guilbert has played some games with the reserve team in N3 to get back into the competitive rhythm. He aims to become a credible option for Fabien Centonze in the final stretch of the season.
Mohamed Hafid shines at SM Caen
In the National league, SM Caen (11th, 29 points) can rely on Cherbourg-native Mohamed Hafid to bring some taste to what has been a rather bland season so far. Following his superb goal against Valenciennes on February 28, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder scored a brace against Châteauroux (2-2) and provided an assist for Ronny Labonne against Rouen (1-1). While these contributions didn’t secure three points, the Franco-Moroccan player confirms the potential seen in recent years.
Hafid shared, “I’ve regained the confidence I had at the beginning of the season. I’ve been here for six years and I feel good. I will continue this adventure with pleasure.” Hafid, who impressed Gaël Clichy since his arrival as coach, aims to keep showing his skills. While former Agneaux player Gabin Tomé (22 years old) is still not included in the plans, ex-Saint-Lois Léo Milliner continues to get playing time as a 20-year-old central midfielder.
Paul Argney, the goalkeeper trained at AS Jullouville-Sartilly, is still playing with Le Havre’s reserve team in Regional 1. He hasn’t appeared in a Ligue 1 match since January.
Finally, Sullivan Péan from Tourlaville continues to make his mark in the National league. Villefranche (12th, 29 points) is currently safe from relegation, thanks in large part to the repeated solid performances of the former Stade Malherbe goalkeeper. Local newspapers weekly highlight Péan’s ability to thwart opposing attackers.
From our correspondent Brice DUFOUR
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