AS Monaco suffered a frustrating defeat against Angers SCO (0-1) on Friday, November 1, as a resolute Angevin defence held strong, leaving the Red and Whites unable to find a breakthrough. With limited opportunities, AS Monaco struggled to build momentum and ultimately succumbed to a single goal from former Monaco player Jean-Eudes Aholou.
After their recent narrow loss in the derby (2-1), Monaco entered the match looking to bounce back. However, the team faced a difficult challenge in Angers, who had recently bested Saint-Etienne and held their own against Marseille and Toulouse. Missing key players like Balogun, Salisu, Vanderson, and Zakaria, Monaco’s coach Adi Hütter fielded a flat 4-4-2 formation, featuring Krépin Diatta at right-back and the Embolo-Ilenikhena duo in attack.
The game’s first half was largely uneventful, with the first notable attempt arriving in the 14th minute from Jim Allevinah of Angers. Monaco had few chances, and Angers capitalised in the 29th minute when Aholou struck a powerful outside-foot shot into the top corner, putting the visitors up 1-0.
Despite a capacity crowd at Louis-II stadium, Monaco’s response was limited, managing only a shot from Caio Henrique before halftime. In the second half, Hütter introduced Eliesse Ben Seghir to inject fresh energy, and Monaco came close several times, with Maghnes Akliouche and Lamine Camara both nearly finding the net. Breel Embolo also had opportunities to equalize, but Angers’ goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made crucial saves.
As Monaco pushed forward, Hütter brought on young talent Saïmon Bouabré in hopes of breaking through, but the Angevin defence held firm, blocking every attempt.
Monaco now turns its focus to their upcoming Champions League match against Bologna on Tuesday, November 5, where they will seek to regain confidence and form.
