France 2-0 Albania: France steal last-gasp win over Albania

Football
By Reuters | Jun 16, 2016
France's defender Patrice Evra (L) and France's midfielder Blaise Matuidi (R) vie for the ball with Albania's midfielder Ledian Memushaj (C) during the Euro 2016 group A football match between France and Albania at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on June 15, 2016. / AFP PHOTO

Antoine Griezmann headed a last-minute goal and Dmitri Payet struck in stoppage time to give Euro 2016 hosts France a 2-0 win over Albania and a place in the round of 16 on Wednesday.

European championship debutants Albania were agonisingly close to their first point in a major tournament until they left Griezmann unmarked to head in Adil Rami's cross in the 90th minute of the Group A match. Payet then finished off a counter-attack deep into stoppage time.

Both teams hit the post in the second half but apart from that struggled to create chances. France defender Bacary Sagna bundled the ball against the post of his own goal and Olivier Giroud headed against the woodwork at the other end.

The result left France with six points followed by Switzerland on four, Romania one and Albania none. Albania have yet to score a goal in the tournament.

Share this story
Kipchoge to carry flag at Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony
Kenya’s legendary long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge will return to the Olympic stage at Milano Cortina 2026, this time as a flag bearer for the opening ceremony.
Kenya U20 youngster Zech Obiero joins English side Tranmere Rovers on loan
Kenya U20 midfielder Zech Obiero has completed a loan move to League Two club Tranmere Rovers from Leyton Orient for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Harambee Stars defender Sichenje signs for Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of Kenya international Collins Sichenje, who arrives from Serbian side FK Vojvodina for an undisclosed fee.
New talents emerge at 2026 Para athletics national trials in Siaya
Raw talented emerged at the 2026 Para athletics national trials held over the weekend at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, in Siaya County
Beware of more Kariobangi Sharks attacks
The fight to stay in the SportPesa Premier League has taken a dramatic turn as the relegation battle begins to gather heat, with just under half the season to go.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS