Ghanaian defender Nathaniel Adjei marked his first start of the season with a composed display as FC Lorient settled for a 1–1 draw against FC Metz in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
The 23-year-old, making his comeback after a long spell on the sidelines, was trusted from the first whistle and saw out the entire contest.
Lorient were rocked midway through the first half when Sadibou Sané rose highest to head Metz in front from a well-worked corner in the 29th minute.
Despite the setback, the hosts regrouped and maintained their shape, with Adjei central to keeping Metz at bay.
Their persistence paid off after the break when Bamba Dieng found space in the box and fired a precise left-footed finish to restore parity.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Lorient pressed for a winner and committed numbers forward in the closing stages.
Metz, however, defended resolutely to deny the home side a late breakthrough.
The draw leaves Lorient sitting 12th on the table with 19 points after 17 league matches.
