A second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed was not enough for FC Nantes as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Auxerre in Ligue 1’s 31st round.
Mohamed has been in fine form for Nantes after recently inspiring them to a 2-2 comeback draw with Monaco last week.
The 25-year-old’s efforts were rewarded as he earned his 15th start in Ligue 1 this season against Auxerre in a game where Nantes struggled to find their rhythm.
Nantes had a slow start to the game and conceded a penalty inside the opening five minutes that was dispatched by Jubal Rocha to give Auxerre the early lead.
Alban Lafont made a costly error with two minutes remaining to half-time as Auxerre capitalised and doubled their advantage through Nuno da Costa.
Auxerre nearly had a third right after the break and hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before the ball was cleared away by Moussa Sissoko.
In the 55th minute, Mostafa Mohamed pulled one back for Nantes as his thumping header gave his side a lifeline early in the second half.
However, his goal was not enough as the defeat allowed Auxerre to leapfrog Nantes in the standings with the latter just two points away from the relegation zone in 15th place.
