AINT-BRIEUC, France – En Avant Guingamp clinched a pivotal 2-0 triumph over Lille OSC in the D1 Arkema, France’s premier women’s football league. The game-changers were none other than the substitutes, who orchestrated the win, pushing Guingamp higher up the league table and fortifying their position.

Stepping onto the field in the 86th minute, Nepali forward Sabitra Bhandari made a grand entrance, still reeling from the WAFF Championship final loss. With nerves of steel in the game’s dying moments, Bhandari seized the opportunity and found the back of the net in injury time, marking her league debut goal and sending the Guingamp fans into a frenzy.

Before Bhandari’s heroics, the deadlock was broken by another substitute, midfielder Antoine Starova. Starova displayed composure from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, putting Guingamp ahead and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

This significant victory propelled Guingamp to a more favourable ninth place in the standings, amassing 15 points from 16 games. The win not only boosts their league position but also creates a comfortable seven-point cushion above the relegation zone, alleviating their relegation concerns to a great extent.