Metz goalkeeper 'abandoned' his side with backheel howler

English Woman's Journal - Metz goalkeeper 'abandoned' his side with backheel howler

SPORTS 30.03.2024

Metz goalkeeper 'abandoned' his side with backheel howler / Photo: Jean-Christophe VERHAEGEN - AFP

Goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja said he "abandoned" his team on Saturday after his attempted backheel hit Folarin Balogun and rolled into an open net as Monaco ran out 5-2 winners at Metz.

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With 17th-placed Metz already trailing 3-0, Oukidja received a backpass from team-mate Fali Cande in the 76th minute.

The experienced Algerian stopper had plenty of time to clear the ball, but he decided to try and shift the ball back to the defender on his left with a deft backheel.

Balogun sniffed his opportunity and charged in to pressure Oukidja, who inadvertently played his backheeled pass straight into the forward's outstretched leg and into the unguarded goal.

"I completely messed up," Oukidja said to Prime Video. "This evening, I felt that I, personally, abandoned them (Metz). I own up completely to this mistake."

St.Reid--EWJ

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English Woman's Journal - Metz goalkeeper 'abandoned' his side with backheel howler