Dijon FCO overcame a bizarre set of circumstances, including an early injury to their goalkeeper and a contentious late penalty, to defeat SC Aubagne Air-Bel 2-1 in a National League match on Friday, March 13, 2026. The victory at the Stade Gaston Gérard was secured despite Dijon playing with an outfield player in goal for over an hour, adding a layer of improbability to an already eventful contest.
The match, a key fixture for Dijon as they push for promotion, was thrown into disarray when goalkeeper Delecroix suffered what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder in the 28th minute. With limited substitution options – National League rules restrict squads to 16 players – coach Baptiste Ridira was forced to deploy defender Lenny Lacroix between the posts. This unusual situation became a defining feature of the game, adding to the drama and tension.
Dijon initially took the lead through a 25th-minute penalty converted by Barka, awarded after a handball by Aubagne’s Nehari. Still, Aubagne-Air Bel, despite their own challenges, fought back, with Chaban hitting the crossbar shortly after Dijon’s opener. The equalizer eventually arrived in the 64th minute courtesy of Mayilla, briefly leveling the score and injecting renewed hope into the visitors’ campaign.
The game took another dramatic turn in stoppage time when a second penalty, described as “very contentious” by reports, was awarded to Dijon. Mohamed Abdallah of Aubagne-Air Bel was penalized, receiving a red card in the process, sparking protests from his teammates. Domingues calmly converted the spot-kick, sealing the 2-1 victory for Dijon in the 92nd minute. The match was punctuated by cautions for both sides, with Bellon, Diouf, and Barreto booked for Dijon, and Nehari, Abdallah (twice), Chaban, El Kaddouri, and Mimb receiving yellow cards for Aubagne-Air Bel.
Goalkeeper Injury Forces Unexpected Change
The turning point of the match came with Delecroix’s injury. The National League’s squad restrictions meant Ridira had to make a difficult decision, opting to place Lacroix, a central defender, in goal. This is a rare occurrence in professional football, and the decision highlighted the unique challenges faced by teams at this level. According to league rules, teams are limited to 16 players on the match sheet, making it difficult to carry a dedicated backup goalkeeper. FIFA confirmed the match took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 19:30 local time.
Controversial Penalties Decide the Outcome
Both penalties awarded in the match were subject to scrutiny. The first, leading to Barka’s goal, stemmed from a handball, although the second, which secured Dijon’s victory, was described as “very contentious” and led to Abdallah’s dismissal. The late drama and the disputed penalty decision are likely to be talking points in the aftermath of the game. The Sofascore match report indicates Dijon currently ranks 1st in the National League, while Aubagne FC holds the 10th position.
Match Details and Lineups
Dijon: Delecroix (Lacroix 38’) – Diallo, Diouf, Bernard, Khatir – Hamada (Vargas-Rios 71’), Ndezi (Chouchane 71’), Bellon (Domingues 58’) – Marié (cap) – Barka, Ntamack (Barreto 58’). Coach: Baptiste Ridira.
Aubagne-Air Bel: Gil – Chibani, Nehari (cap), Mimb – M. Abdallah, Diaby, Ndiaye (Oudjani 54’), El Kaddouri – Bentoumi (Daou 82’), Mayilla (Berrabha 75’), Chaban. Entrepreneur: Gabriel Santos.
Referee: Dorian Bovolenta
Half-time: 1-0
Goals: Dijon – Barka (pen, 25), Domingues (pen, 90+2). Aubagne-Air Bel – Mayilla (64).
Cautions: Dijon – Bellon (47), Diouf (84), Barreto (90). Aubagne-Air Bel – Nehari (23), M. Abdallah (73, 87), Chaban (84), El Kaddouri (87), Mimb (90).
Dismissal: Aubagne-Air Bel – M. Abdallah (87).
Dijon’s victory keeps them firmly in contention for promotion, while Aubagne-Air Bel will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures. The National League season continues to deliver unpredictable moments, and Dijon’s resilience in the face of adversity will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate the challenges ahead. Fans can relive the highlights of the match on YouTube.
What do you think about the referee’s decision to award the late penalty? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
