The game: 3-1
With a rejuvenated team (Lemina, Bagbema injured, Bitshiabu and Zaire-Emery with the professionals), PSG were aiming for qualification against Maccabi Haifa on Tuesday afternoon. Successful operation for the men of Zoumana Camara, in an encounter with an unusual technical waste. PSG should even ensure first place in the group and therefore a direct round of 16, without having to go through a barrage, pending the end of the meeting between Benfica and Juventus Turin.
The Parisians were however quickly in front thanks to a cross strike from Yoram Zague (1-0, 12th). Without being flamboyant, the “Titis” dominated a courageous but logically inferior Israeli team. If Ayman Kari’s attempt (42nd) was repelled by the Maccabi goalkeeper, Ismaël Gharbi took charge alone of making the second period quieter for the locals (2-0, 52nd). Paris then took advantage of the spaces left by a very apathetic defense at times to increase the score by Christ Mukelenge (3-0, 65th). The reduction in the score of Sapir Razon (3-1, 78th), logical, will remain as a black point for a team which has not forced its talent. And who could have paid a little more for it in a very poorly controlled end of the game. For the last day, PSG will travel to Turin to face Juventus. Without pressure.
The player: the light came from Mukelenge
Despite his occasional appearances in first-team training, Christ Mukelenge (17) is certainly not the best-known player of his generation. This Tuesday afternoon, this attacking midfielder, who has appeared only twice so far in the Youth League (43 minutes), delivered an interesting performance. Beyond his goal – solo raid, cross shot (3-0, 64th) – he embodied a regular threat to the defense of Maccabi. Endowed with athletic qualities, Mukelenge, very available in depth, made his speed speak. It is he who leads the transition and who shifts, in the right tempo, Yoram Zague on the first goal (1-0, 12th). Replaced at the end of the match by Queyrell Tchicamboud (72nd)
The fact: Ethan Mbappé’s first Youth League start
We necessarily take a different look at the career of Ethan, the brother of Kylian Mbappé. Appearing regularly with the U19s in recent months, the very young midfielder (15 years old) was aligned for the first time entering the Youth League. An interesting tenure, punctuated by fair orientations and judicious initiatives.
Ethan Mbappé had a good game for his first start in the Youth League. (P. Lahalle/The Team)
What is striking about this technical left-hander is his ability to see the game quickly. Empowered at the first raise alongside the powerful Ayman Kari, Mbappé was a reliable launching pad. Athletically, he remains frail but does not escape in duels. Author of several faults, he even received a warning. Replaced by Etienne Michut (84th), another brother of.