Belgium – France – Uefa Nations League newcomer Kolo Muani restores the visitors' lead with the second goal of the game

KOLO MUANI in the double as France defend crucial win

Randal Kolo Muani scored twice to give France a crucial 2-1 win over Belgium in a thrilling UEFA Nations League match in Brussels.

Didier Deschamps' side had their backs against the wall after Aurelien Tchouameni's red card in the 76th minute, but withstood late pressure from the hosts, maintained their lead and managed to qualify for the group stage.

Kolo Muani gave the visitors the lead with a penalty after a handball from Wout Faes, just 12 minutes after Youri Tielemans stormed over from the penalty spot, wasting a golden chance to give Belgium the lead.

Just as France looked poised to go into half-time with the lead, Timothy Catsagne found Lois Openda, who headed the equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time.

Just two minutes after France had Manu Kone's goal disallowed for a handball in the build-up, Kolo Muani restored the lead with a powerful header that might have been better scored by Koen Casteels in goal for Belgium.

The pressure on France increased late on when Tchouameni received a second yellow card for a foul on Tielemans, but Deschamps' men remained determined to claim their fifth consecutive win against Belgium.