Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema were both on target in the opening 45 to give France a two-goal lead over Estonia at the MMArena in Le Mans this evening.

Despite the home side dominating the ball early on, it was Estonia who had the first chance when AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes slipped when trying to clear the ball. Motherwell forward Henrik Ojamaa raced in on goal but fired millimetres wide of Hugo Lloris's post.

The French almost took the lead after a quarter of an hour when Ribery ran to the byline before fizzing over a cross that Benzema failed to head goalwards.

Ribery managed to find the net in the 24th minute after exchanging passes with Benzema before drilling low into the net.

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye then beat the gloves of Sergei Pareiko with a long-range effort only to see the effort shave the outside of the post.

Benzema also hit the post in the 37th minute after Estonia failed to clear a corner. This time the ball ricocheted into the net to stretch the French lead.

Laurent Blanc's side, who are currently on a run of 20 unbeaten games, next take on England in their Euro 2012 opener in Donetsk on Monday.