Romain Hamouma missed a penalty and scored a vital away goal before receiving a red card as Saint-Etienne played out a 1-1 draw with Milsami in the first leg of their Europa League playoff this evening.
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The Ligue 1 side were on top from the first whistle and they were gifted a penalty in just the 16th minute when Benjamin Corgnet's run into the box invited a foul before he could unleash a shot.
Hamouma stepped up to take on the responsibility from 12 yards, but his tame finish allowed Radu Mitu to get a strong hand on the ball.
However, the midfielder's luck would change before the break as Nolan Roux found the space to test Mitu with a shot on the turn and Hamouma reacted quickest to tap in the rebound.
Saint-Etienne looked in control early in the second half, but they were dealt a blow when Hamouma was shown a red card for a dangerously high tackle.
The visitors paid the price for the challenge just moments later as Milsami equalised from the free kick when Cristian Bud climbed highest to head home.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Saint-Etienne came close to regaining the lead when Ismael Diomande fired a long-range effort a few inches over the crossbar.
Milsami started to look more dangerous again in the closing stages, but the home side were unable to create a clear enough opportunity to earn a lead at the halfway stage in the tie.
Despite a dramatic night for Hamouma, the draw ensures that Saint-Etienne are in control of the tie ahead of next week's second leg in France.
Callum Mulvihill
