Famara Diédhiou scores as Clermont narrowly avoid relegation from Ligue 2

Clermont Foot 63/Facebook

Clermont Foot were in serious danger of dropping two divisions in two seasons on Sunday but despite a 1-2 defeat to Boulogne on Sunday, Famara Diédhiou's second half goal was just enough for Clermont to survive with a 4-3 aggregate victory in France's Ligue 2 relegation playoff.

The former Senegal national team striker arrived with a flying volley to finish a cross from Malian right back Cheick Oumar Konaté. The 73rd minute goal was crucial for Clermont who fell behind 2-0 to two second half goals from Boulogne, who finished in third place in the third division Championnat National to qualify for the promotion/relegation playoff.

Boulogne, who lost the first leg 1-3 at home, were building up momentum to gain promotion but Diédhiou's 6th goal of the season proved to be the difference between second division survival and relegation for Clermont.

Diédhiou scored for Senegal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but struggles for playing time have seen the 32-year-old left out of the reckoning for the Lions of Teranga. After finding regular playing time this season with Clermont in Ligue 2, Diédhiou and a team filled with African talent can look to improve their performance next season.