SC Bastia 2-1 Stade Rennais | Match Report

SC Bastia managed to hold on, after going down to ten men, to defeat Stade Rennais in the first game of the season.

Former Bastia striker, Sio opened the scoring for his new team before Ayite and Kamano scored the two winning goals.

Then, 12 minutes before the end, Brandao was red carded for a late challenge on Pedro Mendes.

The first half was tedius as both teams tried to work each other out with little in the way of chances. Abdoulaye Doucoure's early injury ate up some time and had to be replaced due to a suspected dislocated shoulder.

The home side got the first sniff at a scoring opportunity through Brandão. The striker controlled an pin-point cross into the box and maneuvered himself to find a shot that was inches wide of the mark.

The game was injected with some life when Rennes went ahead through new signing, Giovanni Sio. The former Bastia man nodded Ludovic Baal's dangerous cross to the six yard box. Sio did not celebrate with respect to his ex team.

The second half was a more lively affair...but not by much. Pedro Henrique pulled off a speculative overhead kick just after the restart, but it was collected by Bastia keeper, Leca.

Soon after, Bastia were back in the game as they drew level from a Floyd Ayité goal. Former Rennes man, Sadio Diallo, crossed into six yard box and it was met by the streched leg of Ayité to score.

Bastia began to show their dominance as they had more spells of possession and opportunities in front of goal. The hosts finally went in front when François Kamano slotted home. A strumash in the box gave Kamano the opprtunity to smack his effort by Costil and into the net.

Rennes', devoid of ideas, brung on Ola Toivonen to try and salvage a late point from the game. Their hopes were boosted when Brandão was sent off for a late foul on Pedro Mendes. The striker had no complaints and walked off the field.

Rennes didn't do enough to take advantage of the 10 men Corsicans. Their best attempt was through the substitute Toivonen when he picked up the ball outside the box from a bad touch from the defender. The Swede's volley wasn't effective and was collected by Leca.

Next week Bastia travel to Brittany to take on Lorient, meanwhile Rennes host Montpellier.