Le Havre vs Amiens Match Recap - Dec 21, 2025

Amiens Outshines Le Havre in Coupe de France Showdown

Amiens' 2-0 victory over Le Havre in the Coupe de France Round of 64 underscores their resurgence while exposing Le Havre's ongoing struggles. Ilyes Hamache and Kylian Kaiboue emerged as pivotal figures, continuing their impressive form from recent matches. This win marks a significant moment for Amiens, who have shown resilience and tactical discipline, contrasting sharply with Le Havre's recent woes.

Amiens has been on a roll, winning three of their last five matches, including a solid away victory against PAU just prior to this clash. Their attacking duo of Hamache and Kaiboue has been instrumental, with both players finding the net in their last outing. Hamache's consistent performances have made him a key player, and his early goal today set the tone for the match. Kaiboue's ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has also been crucial, as he continues to build on his recent scoring form.

Le Havre's recent form paints a grim picture. With no wins in their last five matches, they have struggled to find the back of the net, managing only two goals during this stretch. Their inability to convert chances has been evident, as seen in their last match against Lyon where they registered just four shots on goal despite having more total attempts. The lack of offensive firepower has left them vulnerable, and today's match only amplified these issues.

Statistically, Le Havre dominated possession with 66%, yet they failed to translate that into meaningful opportunities. Their total shots (17) far exceeded Amiens' two, but the quality of those attempts was lacking. The expected goals (xG) metric suggests that while they had chances, they were not high-quality ones, reflecting a team struggling to execute under pressure. This inefficiency has become a hallmark of their recent performances.

Defensively, Amiens showcased a disciplined approach that stifled Le Havre's attack. Despite being outshot, they managed to keep Le Havre at bay, with Alexis Sauvage making crucial saves when needed. The contrast in defensive organization was stark; Amiens effectively absorbed pressure and capitalized on counterattacks, while Le Havre's backline appeared disjointed and prone to lapses.

The match also highlighted the contrasting mentalities of the two teams. Amiens played with confidence and composure, knowing they could exploit Le Havre's weaknesses. In contrast, Le Havre seemed burdened by their recent failures, struggling to maintain focus and cohesion throughout the match. This psychological edge played a significant role in determining the outcome.

Looking ahead, Amiens will carry this momentum into their next fixtures, buoyed by their recent successes and the performances of key players like Hamache and Kaiboue. Their ability to capitalize on critical moments will be vital as they aim for further progress in the tournament. Conversely, Le Havre must regroup quickly; their current trajectory is unsustainable if they hope to salvage their season. They need to rediscover their attacking rhythm and tighten their defensive structure to avoid further setbacks.

This match serves as a microcosm of each team's current narrative: Amiens is on an upward trajectory, fueled by strong individual performances and tactical discipline, while Le Havre finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with inconsistency and a lack of confidence. The stakes are high in knockout football, and today's result may well be a turning point for both clubs as they navigate the challenges ahead.