France round-up: Afanou fires Bordeaux to victory

FC Girondins de Bordeaux needed a last-gasp Kodjo Afanou goal to beat fellow European hopefuls AJ Auxerre 1-0 on Sunday.

Late drama
Kodjo Afanou popped up in injury-time to snatch the vital three points from their rivals. Neither side could make the breakthrough in a goalless first half in which visiting Bordeaux had the edge. With both teams pushing for a place in Europe for next season, neither side wanted to risk falling behind before the break, but Bordeaux nearly scored after 16 minutes.

Missed chances
A tremendous shot from Camel Meriem cannoned off the underside of the bar and back into play with the Auxerre goalkeeper Fabien Cool beaten. Five minutes before the break, Khalilou Fadiga penetrated the Bordeaux area on the left and forced Ulrich Ramé to dive low to save his angled drive.

Injury-time winner
In the second half, Auxerre dominated play but found it hard to break down the stubborn Bordeaux defence. Then in the 90th minute a goal from Afanou gave the visitors the victory. Auxerre, who had only been beaten once at home in Le Championnat this season, deserved a point for their efforts. However, it was not be with Afanou heading past Cool for the winner.