FC Metz and large African contingent upstage Stade Reims to win promotion to Ligue 1

Photo: FC Metz/Facebook

FC Metz and their large African contingent achieved promotion to France's Ligue 1 on Thursday following a 4-2 aggregate victory over Stade Reims in the promotion/relegation playoff between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.

After a 1-1 first leg result at Metz, the visitors played Reims to a 1-1 draw in the second leg and then went on to finish the job with two goals in extra time. 19-year-old Metz defensive utility player Alpha Touré scored the match winner (video above) in extra time, the Senegalese's first professional goal since joining Metz from its well known affiliate club in Senegal, Génération Foot.

Eleven African players took the pitch for Metz, a club famous for its development of young African stars like Sadio Mané. However, it was a similar story for Reims who are led by former Mali international Samba Diawara as head coach.

Mali youth international Ange Tia put Reims ahead close to the hour mark but Mattheiu Udol equalized for Metz in the 78th minute before going on to win in extra time. Metz have become known as a club that continues to switch between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 but will be excited to return to the top flight. The club previously suffered defeat in this same relegation/promotion playoff last season that saw them drop down to Ligue 2.