France have struggled to find any rhythm in a disjointed opening 45 minutes of an international friendly to Albania in which they trail 1-0.

The home crowd were almost stunned early on as Sokol Cikalleshi sent a thumping header towards the top corner, but Hugo Lloris clawed the ball away to safety.

Much to the surprise of the home crowd, Albania continued to threaten and Ermir Lenjani crashed a powerful strike just wide of the post before Mergim Mavraj passed up a wonderful chance to open the scoring when he sent a close-range effort inches wide.

France were restricted to shots from distance and Moussa Sissoko scuffed a poor effort wide before Yohan Cabaye went a little closer with a strike which sailed harmlessly over.

Albania got the goal that they deserved shortly before the break when Mavraj nodded Elseid Hysaj's into the top corner.