MONACO, Nov 17: Ailing French giants Monaco and Marseille remained dangerously close to the relegation spots here Friday after drawing 1-1 in a mediocre encounter.

Marseille Cote D’Ivoire international striker Ibrahima Bakayoko equalised with his fourth of the season in the 70th minute to wipe out a controversial penalty converted by Shabani Nonda in the 54th.

Bakayoko shot home shortly after coming on as a substitute from just inside the area after Pascal Nouma had won the ball off Alex Nyarko in the 70th minute.

Nonda benefitted from a decision by the referee who blew for a penalty after he appeared to fall over his own feet rather than being tripped by Joseph Yobo when chasing in on the ball to tap into an open goal.

However the Burnudian-born Congolese international striker accepted his gift by shooting past Vedran Runje for his seventh goal of the season.

Nouma should have levelled a minute later when he rose with the goal at his mercy but instead his header went well wide of the post.

A dire first-half had seen only two clear chances when Brazilian Fernandao header from Frank Jurietti’s cross was goalbound till a terrific leap by Flavio Roma touched it over the bar for a corner in the 45th minute.

Fortunately for the crowd it appeared to spark some urgency into the match and Monaco, who were missing injured Argentine playmaker Marcelo Gallardo, created their best chance in injury-time when Dado Prso escaped into the box on the right but his weak shot was easily gathered by Runje.—AFP