Amine Sbaï
ANG
Takes four shots in win
Sbai had four shots (one on target) and created one chance during Saturday's 3-1 win over Auxerre.
Analysis: Sbai couldn't open his scoring account for the season but it wasn't for lack of trying as he was always involved in dangerous plays and that included a shot brilliant stopped by the goalkeeper with the match still tied at 1-1 at the start of the second frame. With seven shots over two starts, the playmaker shouldn't take much longer to start appearing on scoresheets if he keeps such level of play.
Back in Angers for preseason
Sbai is back in Angers for preseason following the World Cup with Morocco, according to the club.
Analysis: Sbai finished last season with three goals and one assist across 25 Ligue 1 appearances, contributing 34 shots for the club. He capped the campaign with his first World Cup appearance for Morocco, coming off the bench for five minutes in the loss to France, and his return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on last season's output.
Earns first World Cup appearance
Sbai registered two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-0 loss against France.
Analysis: Sbai would earn his first World Cup appearance as Morocco was on the brink of elimination, playing five minutes from the bench. In his minimal time, he would only complete three passes, although he still notched two crosses. He would also earn a corner taken and two fouls committed, doing a decent amount in his short time on the field.
Called up by Morocco
Sbai has been called up to Morocco's World Cup squad as a direct replacement for the injured Ez Abde, according to Hanif Ben Berkane of Foot Mercato.
Analysis: Sbai ended the Ligue 1 season with Angers having contributed three goals and demonstrated his ability to produce decisive moments when given the opportunity, including a spectacular long-range equalizer against Brest in his most recent appearance. The winger's call-up gives Morocco an additional attacking option on the flank as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Brazil without their first-choice wide player.
Scores equalizer in season finale
Sbai scored a goal off two shots (one on target), created three chances and suffered two fouls during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brest.
Analysis: Sbai returned to the team after serving a one-match ban and was decisive for Angers to avoid the defeat. The forward had already found the back of the net with an amazing individual play during the first half, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside. So he just did it again at the hour mark, drawing things level at 1-1 with a spectacular long-range finish. This was just the third goal over 25 appearances for Sbai in his first Ligue 1 campaign, but this performance showed how productive he can be when playing at his best.
Eligible after ban
Sbai has served his one-game suspension and could feature again going forward.
Analysis: Sbai should bounce back to a starting role after Louis Mouton (undisclosed) was used alongside Prosper Peter in attack during the suspension match. The winger has worked mainly on the left flank this season, taking at least one shot in each of his last eight league appearances, but scoring just once over that period.
Sent off Sunday
Sbai was sent off in the first half of Sunday's match against Auxerre.
Analysis: Sbai was shown two yellow cards in the first half with the second coming in stoppage time as he sent Angers down to 10 men. The attacker will miss next week's match against Strasbourg through suspension.
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