Sankhare late show lifts France

Younousse Sankhare struck deep into added time to give France a narrow victory over Slovenia and move Les Bleuets level with Ukraine at the top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 8.

Late winner
On a tense evening in Reims for the hosts, they had goalkeeper Kevin Olimpa to thank that they did not fall behind when he turned away Boris Mijatovič's shot on 41 minutes. The lively Jires Ekoko looked the biggest threat for France, but it was the visitors who most often looked like scoring. Kevin Kampl burst into the box nine minutes from time, leaving the French defence trailing in his wake, before shooting narrowly wide. Substitute Rajko Rep also went close, hitting a post with a free-kick in the final minute. Just as it looked like France would be grateful for a point they took all three – Sankhare heading in Ekoko's corner three minutes into added time. France's next match in the section is against third-placed Belgium next August, with Slovenia meeting the same side the following month.