Kouka ends goal drought as Le Havre draw with Monaco

Ahmed Ghandour , Saturday 26 Apr 2025

Egyptian striker Ahmed ‘Kouka’ Hassan ended his goal drought, snatching the opening goal for Le Havre in their 1-1 draw against Monaco during the 31st matchday of the French Ligue 1 on Saturday.

File Photo: Ahmed Hassan Kouka reacts after scoring a goal. Photo courtesy of Ahmed Hassan Instagram account

The 32-year-old center forward gave his side the lead in the 22nd minute when he connected with defender Junior Mwanga’s cross from the left flank, rising above Monaco’s defense to head the ball into the bottom right corner from close range.

This header marks Kouka’s third goal in 14 Ligue 1 appearances for Le Havre this season, along with one assist.

It also ended a six-game goal drought dating back to his last strike in the 4-3 victory over Lens on 1 March, bringing his career tally to 131 goals in 398 European matches.

However, Monaco’s Danish forward Mika Biereth dashed Le Havre’s hopes of securing three points, equalizing in the 61st minute. Five minutes later, Le Havre coach Didier Digard opted to bench the Egyptian forward.

Kouka joined Le Havre in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season after terminating his contract with Portuguese club Rio Ave, despite it being valid until June 2025.

The draw leaves Le Havre third from bottom in Ligue 1 with 28 points, two points adrift of 15th-placed Angers, with three games remaining. Next, Le Havre will face Auxerre on Sunday, 4 May.

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