Hosts Lens were involved in a high scoring draw with Rennes in a thrilling encounter at the Stade Felix-Bollaert, including a dramatic late equalizer from Asamoah Gyan for the visitors.
The visitors had the perfect start to the match, when a bad error in the home defence was pounced upon by Rod Fanni in just minutes after the start, whose center ultimately broke to Ismael Bangoura. The Guinean wasted no time in opening the scoring.
Rennes continued to press the home goal in a threatening manner, with Gyan shooting narrowly off-target before sending a shot against the crossbar of the home goal.
Lens had done little of real note in the first period but battled back via the penalty spot after Issam Jemaa had been fouled by Petter Hansson. Yohan Demont shot home from 12-yards.
But Eduardo would go close for the hosts moments later, while much of the offensive work was being worked out by the visitors, who pieced together a sweeping move that culminated in Gyan going close. The same player continued to be a menace but saw a late effort in the first half rise over the top.
On the re-start within five minutes, home defender Marco Ramos was dismissed, having picked up a second yellow card.
This up-ped the attacking intent of the hosts and they quickly went close through Jemaa, whose close-range header was brilliantly stopped by Nicolas Douchez.
And the momentum further swung in Lens’ favor when Yann M’Vila was somewhat harshly dismissed for a tackle from behind. This proved the springboard for Jemaa to strike them ahead, a near post header from a Dumont center guiding the hosts into a lead that had seemed unlikely only 20 minutes earlier.
But it would not be enough for them to claim three points, as a late headed flick from Petter Hansson picked out Gyan, who finally took a chance, thumping the ball into the net to salvage a draw in stoppage time.
