Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena struck a dramatic 88th-minute winner as AS Monaco edged 10-man Auxerre 2-1 in a pulsating French Ligue 1 clash at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.
Takumi Minamino had given Monaco the lead just before half-time, and Auxerre’s troubles deepened when right-back Josué Casimir was sent off in the 68th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
The hosts, however, drew level in the 73rd minute when Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu turned the ball into his own net. But Monaco secured all three points late on, with substitute Ilenikhena rising highest to head home in the 88th minute.
The victory was Monaco’s third in four games, lifting them to third place on the table. It also marked Ilenikhena’s first goal of the season, with the 19-year-old striker making an instant impact after replacing Mika Biereth in the 78th minute.
More Read
Despite being without marquee summer signings Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati, Monaco have made a strong start to the campaign.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
