Newly-promoted Angers are only two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain after beating mid-table Bastia.
After Floyd Ayite flashed an early shot over for the Corsicans, SCO almost took the lead on nine minutes when Cheikh Ndoye's header was saved by Jean-Louis Leca.
Billy Ketkeophomphone then missed another chance for the hosts, midway through the first half, as the forward smashed his effort narrowly wide of Leca's goal.
The Laos international atoned for his early miss when he took Ndoye's chest-down and, while his first strike was save by Leca, Ketkeophomphone was on hand to rifle home the rebound.
Angers were awarded a penalty a minute later after the forward was brought down by Mehdi Mostefa.
However, Abdoul Camara's spot kick was well saved by Leca and Bastia reached the interval only one behind.
Angers almost added a second late one with Ferebory Dore's header shaved outside of the post, but the hosts were able to hang on for victory.
Chris O'Keefe
