Elliot Grandin celebrates scoring France's first (©UEFA)France survive Sierra Leone scare
Sunday, 6 February 2005
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PrintBy Eric Asomugha at Özer Türk stadium
Benjamin Laurant scored the decisive goal in Kusadasi to give France a narrow UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup win against a spirited Sierra Leone, for whom Mustapha Bangura had cancelled out Elliot Grandin's opener.
Narrow win
There could not have been more of a contrast with the European Under-17 champions' opening match, a 7-0 victory against Cameroon in Odemis. Philippe Bergeroo's side were made to work hard for their second successive victory, but looked to have gained the upper hand when Grandin put them in front shortly before half-time. However, Bangura brought the African side level just past the hour, and it took Laurant's strike two minutes later to finally end their challenge.
Seven changes
France made seven changes from their first match, resting Jérémy Menez and Karim Benzema, who together had contributed five goals against Cameroon. Sierra Leone, meanwhile, were without first-choice goalkeeper Christian Caulker and Ibrahim Koroma through suspension after both were sent off in the 3-0 defeat by Spain, so Sylvanus Mooris took over in goal and Sarway Dallar came into defence.
Cautious opening
Both teams began cautiously, with France content to keep possession patiently and build attacks slowly from the back, although the Sierra Leonean defence looked disciplined and solid. The European side still carved out three early opportunities, however, Thomas Mangani having a shot blocked, Sandy Paillot heading over from a corner and Irélé Apo also missing the target.
Kamara kept out
Sierra Leone's first real chance arrived in the 27th minute when Abu Tommy picked up possession inside the French penalty area following a goalmouth scramble, but the midfield player pulled his shot wide. Yusufu Kamara had another sight of goal minutes later, but his close-range shot was blocked by Paillot, an impressive presence throughout at the heart of the French defence.
Grandin glee
Although Mooris had produced a number of saves to keep the scoresheet blank, the Sierra Leonean goalkeeper was powerless to prevent Grandin giving France the lead a minute before half-time. The striker powered through the defence to meet a cross from the right following a slick French move, and calmly placed his shot beyond Mooris for his second goal of the tournament.
Well-worked equaliser
The second period began with Sierra Leone pressing for an equaliser, and the African side's endeavours were finally rewarded 19 minutes after the restart. Dauda Tholley began the move with a fine curling pass to Andrew Allieu, who beat two defenders and tried a shot that deflected to Bangura, and the midfield player made no mistake.
Instant riposte
Almost before the African team had finished celebrating their first ever Meridian Cup goal, however, France were back in front. Sierra Leone failed to clear as France pushed forward, allowing Laurant collected the loose ball and shoot low past Mooris to earn his side the narrowest of victories. France meet Nigeria on Tuesday looking for their third successive win, when Sierra Leone will hope for better fortune against hosts Turkey.
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