Monaco hold firm despite red card to dodge French Cup upset

Monaco who have not won in Ligue 1 since November managed to hold on with ten players to secure a 3-1 victory over third division Orleans on Saturday in the French Cups round of 32.

In another match Toulouse goalkeeper Kjetil Haug denied two penalties as his side knocked out Angers via a shoot out following a 1-1 draw between the Ligue 1 rivals.

With ten important players absent Monaco appeared nervous in Orleans and found it difficult to dominate proceedings.

Orleans wasted a few openings before Folarin Balogun netted one of Monacos few clear chances in the 27th minute.

Following a second yellow for Monacos Stanis Idumbo in the 44th minute the away team adopted a defensive stance.

They weathered multiple threats before substitute George Ilenikhena aged 19 who replaced Balogun scored in the 88th minute and once more four minutes into stoppage time.

Two minutes after that Fahd El Khoumisti pulled one back for the home side.

The priority was advancing and the teams resilience playing short handed was impressive said Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli.

Angers fell behind in the 47th minute to a Santiago Hidalgo strike from a long throw by Mark McKenzie but the home team equalised late through an Amine Sbai spot kick.

During the penalty shoot out McKenzie blazed over Toulouses opener yet they were spot on thereafter with Haug stopping Angers second and seventh efforts.

The evenings fixture pitting Ligue 1 frontrunners Lens against third tier Sochaux fell victim to snowfall and was rescheduled.