Randal Kolo Muani’s standout performance propelled France to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, securing a crucial win in the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappe. Kolo Muani, who has struggled for form at Paris Saint-Germain this season, made a decisive impact, scoring twice at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
The match got off to a dramatic start as Belgium missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, standing in as captain for the injured Kevin De Bruyne, missed a penalty in the 18th minute after Lois Openda was brought down by France’s William Saliba in the box. Tielemans’ shot flew over the bar, squandering Belgium’s chance to strike first.
France capitalized on this missed opportunity and was awarded a penalty of their own in the 35th minute when Belgium’s Wout Faes was penalized for handling the ball in the area. Kolo Muani stepped up confidently to convert the spot-kick, giving France the lead.
However, Belgium quickly responded as Lois Openda, who had been a lively presence throughout the first half, equalized in stoppage time with a well-placed header from a Timothy Castagne cross. The teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
After the break, France regained control. They appeared to have scored a second goal just before the hour mark, but Manu Kone’s strike was ruled out due to a handball by Kolo Muani during the buildup. Undeterred, the 24-year-old forward redeemed himself in the 62nd minute, leaping to meet Lucas Digne’s precise cross with a powerful header that put France back in front.
The drama continued as France’s Aurelien Tchouameni, wearing the captain’s armband in Mbappe’s absence, was sent off in the 75th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Tielemans. Despite playing the final quarter of an hour with 10 men, France managed to hold on for the win.
This victory marks France’s second consecutive win during the international break, leaving them well-positioned in Group A2 of the Nations League. With nine points, they sit second in the group, just one point behind leaders Italy, who defeated Israel 4-1. Belgium, on the other hand, remains in third place, five points adrift of the French.
As France looks ahead to the final group-stage matches next month, questions remain over whether Mbappe will return from his thigh injury in time. For now, Kolo Muani’s heroics have ensured that France remains on course for a quarterfinal berth in March.
