Onana Unused, Balepa Growing In Stature As Lille Wins North Derby

Gone are the freshman days at club side Lille, for erstwhile Ecole De Foot midfeilder – Carlos Balepa, who is gaining in confidence and stature under coach Paulo Fonseca.

The latter came in as a second half substitute for Andre Gomes at the 73rd minute and impressed as his side went on to win 1-0 courtesy Jonathan David’s converted penalty at the 44th minute. It was Balepa’s second Ligue 1 appearance this campaign.

Compatriot, Jean Onana who is still trying to sort his feet out at Lens was an unused substitute in game. The 22-year-old just like Balepa has been limited to just two appearances since joining in from Bordeaux

Both sides seat comfortably on the log with Lille on 7th position and Lens at the 4th spot, though it is just only early days. The Defeat for Lens ended their 17-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1; 11 wins and 6 draws, losing for the first time in the top-flight since last April against Strasbourg (0-1).