AS Monaco's push to secure second place in Ligue 1 has been hindered after they failed to breach the defence of already-relegated AC Ajaccio before half time.

The visitors made the more promising start and could have taken the lead on 12 minutes when Andrea Naggi headed the ball into the path of Joao Moutinho, but the Portuguese international was unable to beat Guillermo Ochoa.

However, Ajaccio refused to be overawed by their opponents and threatened to score themselves when Dennis Oliech saw his effort saved after a Laurent Bonnart cross.

Monaco started to enjoy more possession and forged more opportunities, with Ricardo Carvalho's header from Moutinho's cross drifting just wide of Ochoa's post.

The Ajaccio keeper became increasingly besieged as James Rodriguez fired a shot just over late in the half.

Monaco started the game 10 points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.