The Ligue 1 opener was played at Lyon's home stadium at dawn on Saturday, and they won 2-1 against Ajaccio, who have just been promoted to the top flight, to start the new season on a winning note. Striker Narcassidi, who returned to Lyon after saying goodbye to Arsenal following the expiration of his contract this summer, was still a starter after a five-year absence from Ligue 1, contributing a penalty and an assist to usher in the season's opener.
Lyon broke the deadlock in the 12th minute of the match, when Nakahzidi sent in a precise cross for teammate Didi to head home. Just 10 minutes later, the 22-year-old Brazilian shot-stopper again performed a miracle, winning a 12-yard penalty kick, which was converted by Narcassidi himself.
Lyon seemed to think victory was in their grasp when they took a 2-0 lead, however, goalkeeper Anthony Rubis committed a foul in the box and was not only awarded a penalty kick, but was also red-carded for accumulating two yellow cards. Ajaccio's Vingani scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-2.
However, in the first half of extra time, Ajaccio striker Chamondra was sent off with a red card for accumulating two yellow cards. In the second half, both sides played with one man less, but neither side was able to rewrite the scoreline again, and Lyon finally kept the victory with a score of 2-1.
