Mammana heads late leveller as Lyon snatch point

Posted Saturday, March 04, 2017 by PA

Emanuel Mammana scored his first Ligue 1 goal as Lyon boosted their chances of European qualification with a 1-1 draw at fellow high-flyers Bordeaux.

The Argentinian defender, a summer signing from River Plate, headed home Mathieu Valbuena's free-kick in the 79th minute to maintain his fourth-placed side's four point lead over their opponents.

Fifth-placed Bordeaux had threatened to close that gap to a single point after Valentin Vada gave them a 16th-minute lead, but they were unable to hang on.

The visitors should have gone ahead in the 11th minute when striker Alexandre Lacazette fired narrowly wide and they were made to pay minutes later as the hosts took the lead.

Francois Kamano produced a precise through-ball and Argentinian midfielder Vada raced clear to coolly slot the ball beyond visiting goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

Former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay threatened an equaliser soon after, but his effort was superbly turned behind for a corner by Cedric Carrasso.

Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons was the next to go close when he headed powerfully wide following a delivery from the right, while Mammana saw an effort go narrowly over on the stroke of half-time.

Guinea international Kamano had an effort blocked as the hosts went in search of a second to secure the three points before Gaetan Laborde was denied by the legs of Lopes.

The missed chances gave Bruno Genesio's men hope of rescuing a positive result from the game and, after Mouctar Diakhaby headed over when well placed, they equalised, albeit in slightly controversial fashion.

Brazilian full-back Rafael went to ground easily on the right wing and from the resulting free-kick centre-back Mammana rose unmarked to nod in an inviting delivery from substitute Valbuena.