Lorient secured their first Ligue 1 victory of the season after edging Lens 1-0 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday.
Mamadou Koné scored the decisive goal early in the second half, handing Alexandre Dujeux his first competitive victory as Lorient manager.
The opening 45 minutes produced few clear-cut opportunities, although both sides showed glimpses of attacking threat
Koné came close for the visitors before Lens responded through Florian Thauvin, who headed wide from Abdallah Sima’s cross.
Lorient eventually broke the deadlock less than 10 minutes after the restart following a costly mistake by Lens in possession.
Noah Mbamba quickly found Panos Katseris, who surged down the right before delivering a low cross into the box.
Koné reacted sharply to steer the ball home from close range.
Lorient had opportunities to extend their lead, with Jean-Victor Makengo wasting a good chance from Arsene Kouassi’s pullback.
Lens then increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Michael Cuisance forced an excellent save from Yvon Mvogo with a powerful volley, while the Lorient goalkeeper also denied Thauvin as the hosts continued to push forward.
However, Lens could not find a way through Lorient’s defence.
Their frustration deepened in stoppage time when Souleymane Sagnan was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
The victory marked Lorient’s first away win against Lens in seven years and lifted them above their opponents in the Ligue 1 standings.
Nathaniel Adjei was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match.
