Rabat – Moroccan forward Yassine Gessime scored twice as Strasbourg came from behind to defeat Lens 2-1 on Saturday, securing their first victory of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season.
Lens took the lead in the 38th minute when Florian Thauvin converted a penalty. However, Strasbourg responded shortly after halftime, with Gessime finding the net in the 48th minute to level the score.
The Moroccan forward then completed his brace in the 85th minute, giving Strasbourg all three points at the Stade de la Meinau.
The victory marked Strasbourg’s first under new head coach Hugo Oliveira. The French club had opened the season with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Marseille.
Strasbourg now have three points from their opening two matches and will travel to Troyes on September 6 for their next league fixture.
Lens, meanwhile, remain on three points after opening their campaign with a 5-2 victory over Auxerre. Dino Toppmöller’s side will host Lorient in their next Ligue 1 match.
Gessime’s two goals provided Strasbourg with a crucial comeback victory and made the Moroccan forward the decisive player in the match.
Gessime’s rise in French football
Born in Salon-de-Provence, France, in November 2005, Gessime developed through clubs in the Bouches-du-Rhône region before making his professional breakthrough with USL Dunkerque. He joined Dunkerque in 2024 and quickly established himself in the team.
The Moroccan international was recognized for his performances in Ligue 2, including being named the league’s young player of the month and receiving multiple monthly awards at Dunkerque.
In January 2026, Gessime completed his move to Strasbourg. The 20-year-old, who wears No. 80, is primarily deployed on the right side and is known for his left foot.
Gessime also represents Morocco at international level. He previously played for the Moroccan U20 team and was part of the squad that won the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He has since made the step up to the senior national team.
