# Openda and Fofana Lead Lens to a 3-1 Victory Over Clermont, Closing In on Paris with Key Performances
Lens delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, securing a 3-1 victory over Clermont in Ligue 1. The win, driven by standout performances from Jonathan Openda and Ismaïla Fofana, has propelled the club closer to the top of the table, with Paris Saint-Germain now within touching distance in the league standings.
The match started at a high intensity, with both teams looking to impose their styles. Lens quickly took control, with Openda opening the scoring in the 15th minute. A clinical finish from the 2022 African Cup of Nations MVP, the goal was a testament to his clinical edge in front of goal. Clermont responded with some pressure, but Lens’ defense held firm, weathering the threat.
The second half saw Lens take charge. In the 55th minute, Fofana doubled the advantage with a stunning strike from outside the box. The 22-year-old, who has been in excellent form this season, demonstrated his versatility and composure with a powerful effort that flew into the top corner. Clermont, despite their best efforts, struggled to break down Lens’ compact defense.
Openda added a third goal in the 78th minute, completing a brace and further solidifying Lens’ lead. His relentless work rate and ability to exploit space was a constant threat to Clermont’s backline. Despite a late push from the visitors, Lens held on for a well-deserved victory.
The win highlights Lens’ growing confidence under manager Franck Hasi, with the team now sitting just three points behind Paris Saint-Germain in the league standings. With key performers like Openda and Fofana in top form, Lens looks well-positioned to challenge for a top-four finish this season.
This result also underscored the importance of teamwork and resilience, as Lens adapted to Clermont’s attacking approaches and maintained their composure throughout the match. The victory is a significant milestone in their quest to cement their place among the league’s elite.