Ligue 1: Balogun returns as Monaco beat Lens 2-1

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Folarin Balogun made his first appearance of the season as Monaco continued their strong start in Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win over Lens on Friday to go clear at the top of the table.

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Paris Brunner, the young German striker, gave the principality club a first-half lead with his sixth goal in seven games since the beginning of the campaign.

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Matthieu Udol headed in the equaliser on the hour mark for last season’s runners-up Lens, who were playing their first match since the shock sacking of coach Dino Toppmoeller after just six games in charge.

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He has been replaced by Yannick Cahuzac, the former Lens player who had been a member of Toppmoeller’s backroom staff.

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But Cahuzac saw his team slump to defeat as unlucky defender Jonathan Gradit headed into his own net in the 84th minute.

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Monaco are still unbeaten and have 13 points after five matches, leaving them three points clear of nearest challengers Lille and Rennes before the rest of the weekend’s action.

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Balogun came off the bench in the 76th minute, taking to the field for the first time since the World Cup.

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He caught the eye with his performances at the tournament, scoring three goals for co-hosts the United States.

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However, Balogun was at the centre of controversy after a red card he received in the USA’s defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

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That would have ruled him out of the last-16 clash with Belgium before an intervention by US President Donald Trump led to FIFA suspending the card. Balogun was therefore cleared to play against the Belgians, but the USA lost 4-1.

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The 25-year-old former Arsenal striker then looked set to join Everton in a £40 million ($54 million) move on transfer deadline day at the start of this month, only to have a last-minute change of heart.

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Rennes go to Lyon on Saturday and Lille visit bottom club Nice on Sunday before defending champions Paris Saint-Germain visit bitter rivals Marseille.

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AFP

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