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Abdul Majeed Waris could not help Lorient to victory as they fought hard to draw 1-1 with Bordeaux on Saturday night and they will now face a play-off to retain their place in the top flight.
The draw left les Merlus in 18th spot, which means they will now head into Ligue 1’s first ever play-off against third-placed Ligue 2 side Troyes for which team will play in the top flight next season.
Lorient knew that their own efforts might not be enough depending on Caen's result at the Parc des Princes, but the hosts were clearly determined to do everything possible to ensure that if their Normandy rivals did slip up, they would be in a position to take advantage.
Bordeaux needed to win and hope Olympique de Marseille did not triumph at home to SC Bastia in order to sneak ahead of OM and clinch a first top-five finish since 2008-09, and with it, UEFA Europa League qualification.
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Just four minutes in, the hosts came desperately close to going in front when Jimmy Cabot drilled a shot off the foot of a post with Cédric Carrasso beaten (4'). Instead, Younousse Sankharé moved into the Lorient box unnoticed three minutes later, and headed home a Malcom cross to make the hosts' job just a little harder (7').