Ghana defender Nathaniel Adjei produced a composed defensive display as FC Lorient secured a surprise 1-0 away victory over RC Lens in the French Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Lorient claimed all three points at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis after Mamadou Kone scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, following a goalless first half.
Lens' hopes of mounting a comeback were further dented when Souleymane Sagnan was sent off, leaving the home side to finish the encounter with 10 players.
Adjei was a key figure in Lorient's defensive effort, completing the full 90 minutes at the heart of the backline. The 23-year-old earned a 6.6 rating for his assured performance as Lorient successfully frustrated their hosts and protected their narrow lead.
The impressive outing will further strengthen Adjei's case for a return to the Ghana Black Stars squad as the team prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin later this month.
Adjei's most recent appearance for Ghana came in a friendly against Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The former Black Satellites captain made his senior international debut on November 18, 2024, featuring in Ghana's 2-1 defeat to Niger in an AFCON qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium. He started the match but was substituted after 40 minutes.
With Lorient enjoying an encouraging start, Adjei will be hoping to maintain his place in the starting XI when the club host Toulouse FC at the Stade du Moustoir on Saturday, September 12.
His continued strong performances at club level could give him a timely boost as he looks to earn another call-up to the Black Stars.
