Moroccan football had another reason to celebrate in France on Saturday as Yassine Gessime produced a match-winning performance for Strasbourg.
The 20-year-old forward scored twice in the second half to inspire a 2-1 comeback victory over Lens at the Stade de la Meinau, giving Strasbourg their three points of the new Ligue 1 season.first
Gessime Takes Center Stage
Lens opened the scoring in the 38th minute when Florian Thauvin converted from the penalty spot.
Strasbourg responded immediately after the break, and Gessime was at the heart of the comeback.
The Moroccan forward found the equalizer in the 48th minute, bringing the hosts level and injecting fresh energy into the contest.
Then, with five minutes remaining, Gessime struck again.
His 85th-minute winner completed the comeback and sent the Strasbourg supporters into celebration as the hosts secured a memorable first victory of the campaign.
A Perfect Start Under Hugo Oliveira
The result also marked Strasbourg's first win under new head coach Hugo Oliveira.
After beginning the season with a difficult 4-0 defeat against Marseille, Strasbourg responded in impressive fashion, showing character to overturn a deficit against a Lens side that had opened its campaign with a 5-2 victory over Auxerre.
The three points move Strasbourg onto three points from their opening two matches.
A Rising Moroccan Talent
Gessime's latest performance adds another exciting chapter to his rapid rise through French football.
Born in Salon-de-Provence in November 2005, the forward developed through clubs in the Bouches-du-Rhône region before making his professional breakthrough with USL Dunkerque.
He joined Dunkerque in 2024 and quickly established himself, earning recognition for his performances in Ligue 2 and collecting several individual monthly honors.
From Dunkerque to Strasbourg
In January 2026, Gessime completed his move to Strasbourg, taking the next major step in his professional career.
Primarily operating from the right side and favoring his left foot, the Moroccan forward has continued to develop his attacking qualities while gaining valuable experience at the highest level of French football.
Saturday's brace could prove to be another important milestone in that journey.
From Morocco's Youth Ranks to the Senior Team
Gessime's rise has also been closely followed by Moroccan football supporters.
After representing Morocco at U20 level, he was part of the squad that won the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, before progressing toward the senior national team.
Now, performances like this are another reminder of the depth of Moroccan talent emerging across European football.
Two goals, three points, and another powerful statement from one of Morocco's rising attacking talents, the Gessime story is only beginning.