France laboured their way to a 1-1 draw at home to Albania in an international friendly in Rennes this evening.
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The home crowd were almost stunned early on as Sokol Cikalleshi sent a thumping header towards the top corner, but Hugo Lloris clawed the ball away to safety.
Much to the surprise of the home crowd, Albania continued to threaten and Ermir Lenjani crashed a powerful strike just wide of the post before Mergim Mavraj passed up a wonderful chance to open the scoring when he sent a close-range effort inches wide.
France were restricted to shots from distance and Moussa Sissoko scuffed a poor effort before Yohan Cabaye went a little closer, but his strike sailed harmlessly over the bar.
Nonetheless, Albania were unperturbed and got the goal they deserved shortly before the break when Mavraj nodded Elseid Hysaj's into the top corner to silence the home support.
Rather than spark France into life, the goal seemed to sap them of more confidence and Lloris had to be alert to tip away Ledian Memushaj's goalbound shot in the 52nd minute and the Spurs goalkeeper was on hand again moments later to deny Lenjani a solo goal.
Karim Benzema, who saw his impact in the game limited by some aggressive Albanian defending, managed to escape the attentions of his opponents twice in the second half, but both of his efforts were easily held by Etrit Berisha.
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With 17 minutes remaining, Antoine Griezmann released the tension inside the Stade Rennais with a composed finish into the far corner to make it 1-1.
Benzema and Paul Pogba both came close with late efforts, but France were left to rue a poor performance prior to their crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Sweden on Tuesday.
Kristian Johnson
