Super Eagles Watch: Maja scores in Cup game
Josh Maja scored for Bordeaux in Coupe de France Round of 64 tie on Saturday, but his goal was not enough to help Les Girondins progress to the next round, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Ligue 1 fourth-placed team, Rennes.
Maja continued his fine run of form after picking up Ligue 2 October Player of the Month award and netting his eighth goal of the season in Bordeaux’s home win over Sochaux in December 2022.
The Sunderland graduate scored at the stroke of half-time to cancel out Rennes’ early lead through Benjamin Bourigeaud, firing in a left-footed shot from the edge box after Lenny Pirringuel inadvertently played the ball into his path.
Rennes regained their lead nine minutes into the second period through Belgium international Jeremy Doku, who exploited a weakness in the defence to control the ball unto his left foot before driving his effort into back of the net for the match winner.
Maja’s Bordeaux were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark, following the dismissal of Cameroonian right-back, Malcom Bokele.
Despite the disadvantage, Bourdeaux managed to cause problems for Rennes and goalkeeper Rafal Straczek made a last-ditch save to keep a respectable scoreline, as David Guion’s men exited the Coupe de France with its head held high.