Moffi puts up a solid performance but valiant PSG force a draw against Lorient
Moffi puts up a solid performance but valiant PSG force a draw against Lorient
The Nigerian star put up a good performance, but his efforts were not enough to help Les Merlus beat a talented PSG side
Super Eagles and Lorient forward Terem Moffi played all 90 minutes as Lorient held Paris Saint Germain (PSG) to a 1-1 draw in their Ligue 1 encounter.
The Nigeria international and his teammates approached the game as big underdogs, considering their poor form.
Lorient had lost eight straight games, going into the game, while Moffi hoped to end his poor run of form in front of goal.
However, with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar injured, Les Merlus could be excused if they cared to dream.
The game started with PSG hugging the ball and bossing possession while Lorient calmly sat back, waiting to hit the visitors on the break.
Their plan worked as even though the French Champions saw a lot of the ball, they could not create chances.
However, Les Merlus created more chances, recording four shots on target, one of which was from Moffi. Lorient struck gold in the 40th minute when Thomas Monconduit neatly tucked the ball in the net to put them ahead.
The solitary goal was enough to see Lorient end the first half on top, even though they didn’t seem to be in control.
The second half progressed like the first, and even Moffi had to help his side defend against an attack led by Balon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
His solitary block and one clearance was enough proof of that.
Despite having over three-quarters of the possession, the French champions did not register a shot on target till the 80th minute. And it was a feeble shot from Messi, which Lorient goalie Paul Nardi well saved.
Things got worse for the Paris giants as they were let down by summer signing Sergio Ramos after a second yellow card earned him his marching orders.
But just as it looked like it would be a famous victory for Moffi and his teammates, Mauro Icardi headed the ball in from point-blank range in the 90th minute to draw PSG level and break Lorient fans hearts.
It ended 1-1 at the Stade du Moustoir, but Lorient could take confidence from their performance going into the second half of the campaign.