http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127 stretched their losing streak to four games on Friday as they produced yet another lacklustre performance against Ajaccio who had to thank Benjamin Andre to score at the death
Following their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Evian TG on Tuesday, the onus was on Olympique de Marseille when they travelled to Corsica to face Ajaccio in Week 24 of the 2011/2012 Ligue 1 campaign.
A recent run of poor results has dealt a serious blow to Marseille’s chances of playing in the Champions League next season. The game against Ajaccio on Friday was certainly a must win for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Les Phoceens made a better start to the game of the two sides and dominated possession. Brandao (3rd and 14th minute) and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jordan-Ayew-c19098 (26th and 44th minute) came close to giving the visitors a lead. However, Ajaccio
prevailed playing a physical brand of the game in an effort to exploit their opposition’s confidence which has been low of late.
Johan Cavalli, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Steve-Mandanda-c34177 who was equal to everything put infront of him.
Loic Remy and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mathieu-Valbuena-c24690 were introduced in the second half with the former making a return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury. However, both Frenchmen’s introduction didn’t really give Marseille’s attack a new dimension.
Ajaccio defended resolutely and kept Brandao and Jordan Ayew quiet throughout the game. The longer Marseille failed to take the lead, the more confidence Ajaccio gained as they smelt blood.
Tempers were also flaring in Corsica as seven yellow cards were brandished with Ajaccio getting five of them.
Despite all their frustration, Jordan Ayew persisted and had possibly the best chance for his team. The Ghanaian’s shot was brilliantly saved by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Guillermo-Ochoa-c15350.
Nicolas N’Koulou was by far the best OM player on the pitch. The youngster denied Andre of a clear shot at goal by making a last-ditch tackle. However, the Corsican midfielder had a goal coming in the game.
With just 60 seconds left on the clock, Lippini’s crunching tackle won the ball back for Ajaccio and the Corsican player passed the ball to Cavalli. The Ajaccio midfielder in turn crossed the ball to set up Andre who finished the ball from close range.
The win was Ajaccio’s second in six games and allows them to go three points clear off the relegation zone. Marseille on the other hand, stay in eight place and should say adieu to their Champions League hopes.
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