Super Eagles Watch: Maja continues fine form, nets a brace against Caen

Josh Maja’s first half double against Caen was not enough to secure the maximum points for Bordeaux, as they gave away a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw in a Ligue 2 matchday 18 tie on Tuesday.

Bordeaux, who are hopeful of Ligue 1 return, were left frustrated after the host rallied to snatch a draw, with just eight minutes left on the clock.

Josh Maja continued his scoring streak with two quick strikes – his fourth in the last three league games – before the half-hour mark.

The 24-year-old forward put the visitors ahead on the fourth minute, popping at the edge of the box to bury his looping effort into the bottom left corner, following a through ball from Alberth Elis.

The Marines and Whites continue to press the host and it paid off on the 25th minute, as Maja netted his second of the day, poking in a deflected shot from Yoann Barbet, following Clément Michelin’s freekick.

Caen came back strong in the second period as head coach, Stephane Moulin brought on three players at restart.

Seven minutes into the second half, substitute Yoann Court sets up Alexandre Mendy to pull a goal back for the homeside via a header.

Danylo Ignatenko had opportunity to extend Bordeaux’s lead four minutes later, but Caen goalkeeper, Anthony Mandrea saved his shot from outside the box.

A minute later, Bordeaux keeper, Gaeran Poussin produced a crucial save to deny substitute Caleb Sery.

In a quick turn of event, Bordeaux were reduced to 10 men eight minutes after the hour mark, following the dismissal of Clement Michelin for a bad tackle.

Two minutes later, David Guion immediately replaced Maja with Senegal forward, Aliou Badji, but the change made no difference, as the host took control of play and eventually drew level through Ali Abdi, who headed in Yoann Court’s corner kick.

Both team played with 10-men with just four minutes left, as Referee Romain Lissourge sent off Caen’s Yoann Court for violent conduct.

However, the score remained unchanged as both teams shared a point at the Michel d’Ornano stadium.

Maja leads the Ligue 2 goals chart with 10 strikes and three assists, while his club Bordeaux are second on the log with 32 points – seven points adrift of the league leaders Le Havre.

Maja will line up for Bordeaux on Friday as they host Amiens at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium.