Moses Simon opens goals account as Nantes snatch point against leaders St. Etienne
Moses Simon tries to score in Sunday’s Ligue 1 match against St Etienne
Moses Simon scored his first goal of the season, helping Nantes snatch a 2-2 draw against leaders St Etienne.
The winger, who is expected to be named in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Tunisia and Cote d’Ivoire, scored from close range to pull one back after the visitors had taken a 2-0 lead.
Adil Aouchiche bundled Yvan Noupa’s cross over the line to put the visitors ahead two minutes into the game.
Just before the interval, Randal Kolo headed in after meeting a perfectly-weighted cross, but his celebrations were cut short by the referee, who consulted VAR.
A minute after the hour mark, Simon went close to finding the net, flashing a shot wide of the right post after bursting into the box.
Five minutes later, St Etienne doubled their advantage through Yvann Macon, who created space for himself after receiving a short pass before curling into the top right corner.
In the 71st minute, Simon sidefooted in Dennis Appiah’s low cross at the back post to reduce the deficit.
And substitute Renaud Emond ensured a share of the spoils barely a minute after coming on, tapping in from two yards — after a deflected effort crashed against the upright before falling into his path.
Inside stoppage time, Simon had a chance to earn his side all three points, but the 25-year-old — who was under pressure — couldĀ only send his effort inches wide.