Balogun returns as Monaco beat Lens to continue strong Ligue 1 start

Folarin Balogun made his first appearance of the season as Monaco continued their strong start in Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win over Lens on Friday to go clear at the top of the table.

Paris Brunner, the young German striker, gave the principality club a first-half lead with his sixth goal in seven games since the beginning of the campaign.

Matthieu Udol headed in the equaliser on the hour mark for last season's runners-up Lens, who were playing their first match since the shock sacking of coach Dino Toppmoeller after just six games in charge.

He has been replaced by Yannick Cahuzac, the former Lens player who had been a member of Toppmoeller's backroom staff.

But Cahuzac saw his team slump to defeat as unlucky defender Jonathan Gradit headed into his own net in the 84th minute.

Monaco are still unbeaten and have 13 points after five matches, leaving them three points clear of nearest challengers Lille and Rennes before the rest of the weekend's action.

Balogun came off the bench in the 76th minute, taking to the field for the first time since the World Cup.

He caught the eye with his performances at the tournament, scoring three goals for co-hosts the United States.

However, Balogun was at the centre of controversy after a red card he received in the USA's defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

That would have ruled him out of the last-16 clash with Belgium before an intervention by US President Donald Trump led to FIFA suspending the card. Balogun was therefore cleared to play against the Belgians, but the USA lost 4-1.

The 25-year-old former Arsenal striker then looked set to join Everton in a £40 million move on transfer deadline day at the start of this month, only to have a last-minute change of heart.

Rennes go to Lyon on Saturday and Lille visit bottom club Nice on Sunday before defending champions Paris Saint-Germain visit bitter rivals Marseille.

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