Ajaccio beats Marseille 2-0 in big upset

Ajaccio, Corsica:

Little-known AC Ajaccio upset Olympique de Marseilles 2-0 in Corsica on Saturday night in one of the biggest upsets of the Ligue-1 season. Ajaccio, promoted from the second tier division this year, got both its goals from Brazilian and ex-Marseilles striker Andre Luiz. Little in the way of surprises was expected from this 15th round clash between the powerful Olympique de Marseilles and newly promoted Ajaccio, played in front of just 7000 spectators in Corsica. Ajaccio, chasing their first home win were terrific in attack in the opening minutes and were justly rewarded with a penalty in the 12th minute when defender Abdoulaye Meite brought down ex-Marseilles striker Andre Luiz in the penalty area. Luiz calmly took his own penalty and effortlessly converted the opportunity into a 1-0 lead. The Brazilian striker scored a second just 15 seconds into the second half when midfielder Martial Robin's fine cross presented him with the easiest of goals. On 50 minutes, Marseilles had a good chance to pull one back when Steve Marlet spun into open space but his well directed strike clipped the heel of Ajaccio goalkeeper Stephane Porato and flicked out of bounds. From then on, the Marseilles forwards were surprisingly unable to create any bonafide chances against a rapidly tiring Ajaccio outfit and the home team held on for its first home win of the season. The loss at Ajaccio is likely to increase the pressure on under-fire coach Jose Anigo. With the loss, Marseilles dropped from fifth to seventh on the Ligue-1 standings. (AP)