Second-half surge saves Monaco

AS Monaco FC were forced to come from three goals down to salvage a draw at home to AC Ajaccio in Friday night's Ligue 1 game.

Slender advantage
The result took Dider Deschamps' team one point clear at the head of the French top flight, although second-placed champions Olympique Lyonnais have the chance to return to first place early on Saturday evening when they face Olympique de Marseille.

Three-goal deficit
The home side suffered a nightmare first-half performance at the Stade Louis II, trailing 3-0 at the interval. With striker Fernando Morientes rested ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid CF on Tuesday, Ajaccio took full advantage of a below-par Monaco display, Patrice Loko opening the scoring after 24 minutes and striker Martial Robin increasing the advantage late in the first period with two spectacular shots.

Nonda return
Deschamps introduced Shabani Nonda at half-time for the striker's first appearance after a knee operation that sidelined him for seven months and last season's top scorer in France reduced the deficit within five minutes of the restart.

Pršo prods in
Jaroslav Plašil pulled another goal back with a splendid long-range strike in the 66th minute, and Monaco escaped with a draw five minutes into added time as Croatian striker Dado Pršo prodded in an equaliser from close range.