Fabinho penalty helps Monaco secure 1-0 win at Ajaccio
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PARIS (AP) Brazilian defender Fabinho scored a first-half penalty as Monaco secured a scrappy 1-0 win away against Corsican side Ajaccio in the French league on Sunday.
Monaco was playing its first league game since selling 19-year-old forward Anthony Martial to Manchester United, with Argentine Guido Carrillo replacing him up front.
Fabinho stroked his spot kick low to the left in the 16th minute after veteran defender David Ducourtioux handled Ivan Cavaleiro's cross.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cavaleiro went close in the 31st but Ajaccio goalkeeper Clement Maury made a smart save to his left.
Ajaccio almost equalized in the 78th when Issiaga Sylla forced Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic into action, and moments later Maury kicked away Monaco midfielder Mario Pasalic's goal-bound strike.
Later, it's Nantes vs. Rennes in the Brittany derby and Marseille vs. Bastia.