Caen vs Al Wakrah

Caen started sluggishly against an Al Wakrah side that had beaten Ligue 1 Brest 2-0 just three days earlier. The Qataris had several early chances, with Yannis Clémentia called into action to clear a Gnanduillet defensive header (6') and later save loose balls from Mohamed El Idrissi and Dennis Appiah (39'). Lorenzo Rajot gave the ball away dangerously in the 42nd minute, requiring another Clémentia intervention.

Gnanduillet had twice struck the crossbar — first from a one-touch move involving Freddy Bomo and Ivann Botella (32'), then again from a tight angle (39') — before finally breaking the deadlock. Botella, released on the left flank barely onside, delivered a cut-back that Gnanduillet swept home first-time with his right foot (1-0, 43').

Caen made two changes at half-time, introducing Sacha M'Baka for Dennis Appiah and Keelyan Portut for Fahd El Khoumisti. Portut immediately carved open the Al Wakrah defence but miscued his finish (46').

The second half exploded into life. Al Wakrah's Murad Naji curled a magnificent strike into the top corner from the edge of the box to equalise (1-1, 56'), punishing a lost ball from El Idrissi. But Caen's response was instant. Botella turned provider again, cutting back from the left for Mohamed Hafid to sweep home from close range (2-1, 59').

Gnanduillet added his second in the 64th minute, pouncing on the rebound after the Al Wakrah goalkeeper parried Bomo's driven shot. Substitute Salim Diakité completed the scoring in the 82nd minute, slotting home from inside the box after Caen's relentless pressure finally told.

Al Wakrah's equaliser through Naji's superb strike could have triggered a Qatari revival, but Caen's response was decisive. Hafid's goal three minutes later — the second Botella assist of the afternoon — immediately restored Caen's control and deflated the visitors. From 2-1 up, Caen never looked back.

Armand Gnanduillet (Caen) — Two goals (43', 64'), two crossbars hit, and a constant threat. Four goals in two pre-season matches now; the Ivorian striker is making a strong case for a starting role in the upcoming Ligue 2 campaign.

Ivann Botella (Caen) — Two assists, both cut-backs from the left flank, created the opener and the vital second goal. His timing and service were decisive.

Mohamed Hafid (Caen) — Scored the crucial 59th-minute winner that broke Al Wakrah's resistance, arriving precisely at the back post to meet Botella's cross.

Murad Naji (Al Wakrah) — The Al Wakrah midfielder scored a stunning equaliser from distance, briefly threatening an upset before Caen regained control.

Caen scored four goals in a 39-minute second-half blitz (43' to 82'), with three arriving in an eight-minute spell (56' to 64'). Al Wakrah's two yellow cards (40', 51') reflected their difficulty containing Caen's movement, particularly down the left through Botella. Gnanduillet's four shots (two on target, two goals, two woodwork) illustrate how close he came to an even bigger haul.

Caen have now scored 13 goals across four pre-season friendlies (W3 D0 L1) under manager Gaël Clichy, who rotated heavily with mass substitutions at the 69-minute mark. Gnanduillet's four goals in two games suggest the 30-year-old could be central to their 2026/27 Ligue 2 campaign. Al Wakrah, who had beaten Brest earlier in their French tour, showed flashes of quality through Naji but defensive lapses after the hour mark proved costly as they prepare for the Qatar Stars League season.

A professional second-half display from Caen, who shrugged off a sluggish first 45 minutes and a potentially destabilising equaliser to overwhelm Al Wakrah with pace and precision. Gnanduillet's form is the standout takeaway; Botella's creativity from the left offers a reliable attacking outlet. Al Wakrah will need sharper defensive organisation before their domestic campaign begins.