Fofana, who scored with a shot wrapped from the right into the top corner when he was on the left wing (90 + 5), had already obtained the equalizer at the very end of the match on January 4 against Lille (2- 2) in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France allowing his team to then qualify on penalties.

As a result, Racing, which obtained its first away victory after six unsuccessful trips (five defeats, one draw), temporarily climbed to 4th place in the standings, thus achieving a good start to the year.

The joy of the Lensois, after the goal scored in additional time by the Ivorian striker of Lens, Seko Fofana, against Lens, beaten 2-1 at home, during the 21st day of Ligue 1, January 15, 2022 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK AFP

In addition to qualifying for the Cup, the Northerners also beat, on January 8 in Bollaert, Rennes (5th) which they are now ahead of by two points as well as Montpellier (6th).

They also return to three lengths from Marseille (3rd).

blow for the Greens

The blow is nevertheless harsh for Saint-Etienne, where twelve potential holders were missing, who had gone to the CAN or were positive for the Covid.

The Greens were ahead for a long time after opening the scoring at the end of the first period on a goal from Ryad Boudebouz.

The latter took over in half-volley a center delivered from the left wing by Adil Aouchiche (38).

The joy of Algerian midfielder from Saint-Etienne, Ryad Boudebouz, after opening the scoring against Lens, during the 21st day of Ligue 1, January 15, 2022 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK AFP

The Stéphanois missed the match point which would have allowed them to lead 2-0 on a recovery from young Lucas Gourna (18) after a cross from Boudebouz (72).

The turning point of the game for sure.

Two minutes later, Florian Sotoca equalized with a header at the near post, a corner played from the right wing by Jonathan Clauss (78), the best passer in Ligue 1 (9).

Lensois striker Florian Sotoca, in the middle of the defenders of Saint-Etienne, the Brazilian Gabriel Silva (g) and Mickael Wade, during the 21st day of Ligue 1, January 15, 2022 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK AFP

For his first outing with ASSE, goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni, on loan from Angers, was rather reassuring.

But that was not enough to avoid a sixth straight loss.

He intervened well on a free kick from Clauss (25) and in front of Wesley Saïd (32) or Arnaud Kalimuendo (46) whose shot also went just wide (61).

The Stéphanois goalkeeper also intervened in front of Sotoca (65) while a recovery from Seko Fofana went very close, thus missing the Lensoise equalizer (88).

For their part, the Stéphanois had rare occasions by Mason or Mahdi Camara on which goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca was vigilant (7th, 36th) as on a final recovery of the head of Boudebouz (90 + 3).

© 2022 AFP