The U19s slip to defeat vs. Benfica

STARTING XI

Mouquet; Lamy, El Hannach (c) (E. Mbappé, 80'), Fernandez; Zague, Kari, Bagbema (Mukelenge 63'), Muntu Wa Mungu; Lemina (Bensoula 80'), Housni, Tchicamboud (Diawara 40').

THE SCENARIO

After three wins in three - the latest at Benfica last week - Zoumana Camara's side welcomed the Lisbon outfit to their home with the Rouge et Bleu looking to strengthen their hold on top spot in Group H.

Despite Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ismaël Gharbi and El Chadaille Bitshiabu being in the first team squad, our U19 side was still packed with quality against a Benfica line-up clearly in the mood to make amends for last week's loss.  But Ilyes Housni gave the hosts the ideal start, capping a great team move early on (1-0, 3').

Benfica did not take long to react though. First, they equalised through Semedo's header (1-1, 14'), before Moreira (1-2, 39') and Semedo again - this time from the penalty spot - (1-3, 45+1') gave the visitors a half-time lead. Despite pushing, Paris Saint-Germain only reduced the deficit late on through Housni (2-3, 86') as Benfica held off their late push for a leveller.

COMING UP

The Parisians remain top of the group ahead of Juventus, but must now wait until 25 October before getting back into the competition with the visit of Maccabi Haifa when they'll hope to take a step towards the knockout stages.

Before that, there's an important league game against Lille on Sunday.