AS Monaco have moved to within two points of the Champions League places after picking up a hard-fought away to newly-promoted Gazelec Ajaccio.

The home side, who started the game bottom of Ligue 1, had chances to take the lead in the opening stages, with Amos Youga going close from 35 yards before Damian Djokovic failed to beat Danijel Subasic from close range.

However, it was Les Rouges et Blanc who took the lead on 17 minutes through Fabinho's penalty after David Ducourtioux's hand ball in the area.

Leonardo Jardim's team squandered opportunities to add to their lead in Corsica, with Ivan Cavaleiro and Bernardo Silva having efforts saved by Clement Maury in quick succession.

Either side of half time, Kader Mangane and Khalid Boutaib had chances to equalise for GFC, but failed to hit the target as Monaco held on to their slender advantage.

Fabio Coentrao's introduction in the second half almost gave the Monagasques a second goal as the ex-Real Madrid full-back provided pinpoint crosses for Chelsea loanee Mario Pasalic and Silva late on. However, neither could convert their opportunities as AS were forced to settle for a one-goal victory.