Folarin Balogun, who recently transferred to Monaco from Arsenal, encountered a challenging first start for the French club.
The 22-year-old missed two penalties as Monaco suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nice on Friday night.
Despite the loss, Monaco retain their second-place standing in Ligue 1.
For the first time since his move from Arsenal last month, Folarin Balogun was included in Monaco’s starting lineup for their match against Nice.
Unfortunately for the young striker, his full debut proved disappointing.
He took Monaco’s initial penalty in the 12th minute, only to be denied by Nice’s goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.
SAVED ❌
Folarin Balogun is denied by Bułka!#Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/KD4eq39v93
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 22, 2023
Monaco had another opportunity to level the score in the 55th minute when they were awarded another penalty. Once again, Balogun stepped up, but the outcome was the same as Marcin Bulka successfully saved his penalty for a second time.
Balogun missed two penalties to make sure his team Monaco goes home without a point. The game ended Monaco 0 – 1 Nice. pic.twitter.com/fbJDOmd9Je
— TalGuy (@iamdahtalguy) September 23, 2023
Balogun was eventually substituted in the 67th minute.
To add insult to injury, Jeremy Boga scored a late goal to secure Nice’s 1-0 win.
After the game, Monaco’s manager, Adi Hütter was quick to defend his new signing. “He was unlucky today, but we win together and we lose together,” Hütter said.
“We have to help him a lot because he is frustrated too. He wanted to score the second penalty, but sometimes this is football in the end.
“We have to help him and we will. In the end, we have good conversations and positive communication.
“In the future, he will help us a lot. He is a young striker. This evening isn’t one of his best, but as I said, we win together, we lose together.”
Despite the setback against Nice, Monaco continue to sit just one point behind the Ligue 1 leaders.
Balogun will look to bounce back when Monaco host Marseille in their next match.
Last season, while on loan at Reims, the USA international had an impressive run, scoring 22 goals and garnering interest from various clubs across Europe.