Monaco held at home by Le Havre after Fofana own goal

Updated: Feb 4, 2024, 02:56 pm

MONACO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Fourth-placed AS Monaco were held to a 1-1 home draw by mid-table Le Havre on Sunday, with a second-half own goal by Youssouf Fofana denying them victory in Ligue 1.

The result makes it three league games without a win for Monaco, as they missed the chance to move up to third spot and put pressure on their rivals who play later on Sunday.

Monaco have 35 points from 20 games, level with Brest before the third-placed side welcome Nice, who are second on 38, later on Sunday. Paris St Germain lead the standings with 47 points after beating Strasbourg 2-1 away on Friday.

After an opening half with few chances, Monaco made the breakthrough through Wissam Ben Yedder in the 63rd minute after a well worked move which saw the forward poke a first-time shot past goalkeeper Arthur Desmas from a Maghnes Akliouche pass.

Instead of building on their lead calamity struck the hosts two minutes later when midfielder Fofana put the ball in his own net from a free kick floated into the box by Christopher Operi.

Monaco pushed forward late on to try to get the win and their best chance came eight minutes from time when substitute Takumi Minamino's ball across goal almost found Ben Yedder but Arouna Sangante saved Le Havre with his clearance for a corner.

The draw leaves Le Havre in 11th place on 24 points. (Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Ken Ferris)