Decisive figure fires Nantes response at Rennes | OneFootball

Igniatius Kpene Ganago rifled in from outside the box in the 40th minute, but Rennes edged Nantes 2-1 at Roazhon Park.

The forward's strike was pure and early, collecting Nicolas Cozza's pass before driving a right-footer into the roof of the net (40.). It capped a spell in which he continually pinned the centre-backs.

Ganago stayed busy after the leveller. He lifted a left-footed effort over the bar (42.). After the restart, his next strike was blocked (71.). He then glanced a header just wide from a corner (78.). Moments later he slipped in Matthis Abline, who shot off target from the centre (83.).

The Cameroon international finished with four attempts, one on target, and created one chance. He also won six aerial duels and regained possession eight times, a physical display that kept Rennes' back line under pressure.

Because Les Canaris fed him early and often with direct balls and crosses, his movement between the centre-backs repeatedly unsettled the hosts and gave Nantes a platform to attack.

Les Canaris host Marseille next. Rennes visit Lyon next.