Wolves under-23s were held to a 1-1 draw by French giants Paris Saint-Germain in a spirited performance amid their first outing in the Premier League International Cup.
Under the Molineux lights, Mark Kennedy’s side were greeted with the infamous light show and a cheer from a crowd of over 5,000 who witnessed Dan Csoka’s second-half strike earn a well-deserved point after Alexandre Fressange gave the visitors the lead early on.
Wolves suffered the earliest of setbacks after under a minute of action. Richard Makutungu darted down the right wing before swinging a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box. The pass was duly met by the oncoming Fressange who headed in from close range.
Overcoming the early obstacle, Wolves settled and grew into the game well. Their best chance of the half fell to Taylor Perry whose drilled effort whistled just past the post.
Captain Dion Sanderson received the biggest roar of the half after a goal-line clearance to deny Makutungu from doubling the visitors’ lead after 25 minutes.
Wolves started the second half much better than they did the first. Their spirit was personified by the brilliant run of Chem Campbell. The winger alluded the PSG back line, cut in and fired a shot just wide of the far post.
Then, Wolves got the just rewards for all their efforts. Elliot Watt’s looping free kick found Csoka at the back post who headed into the roof of the net from close range.
The goal seemed to spark some life into Kennedy’s side. Campbell had another glorious opportunity and could have given his side the lead but for a world-class save from Garissone Innocent. Moments later, Perry broke clear and found Luke Cundle who was squandered at the vital moment.
Most of the half was dominated by Wolves, but the side had to settle for a point in their first Group E encounter.
COMING UP
Mark Kennedy’s side are back in action on Saturday as they host Chelsea in the Premier League 2.
NEXT FIVE
23/11 Chelsea (H)
27/11 Athletic Club (H) PLIC
02/12 Leeds United (H) PLC
09/12 Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
16/12 Everton (A)
TEAMS
Wolves: Sondergaard, Sanderson, Otasowie (Buur), Marques, Csoka, Kitolano (Thompson), Watt, Cundle, Perry, Campbell (Dongda He), Ashley-Seal.
Unused subs: Pardington, Nya, Tsun Dai, Samuels.
PSG: Innocent, Mutombo (Nagera), Bakker, Kitenge, Sissako, Kapo, Bernadou (Coulibaly), M’ze, Fressange, Ruiz-Atil, Makutungu.
Unused subs: Bitumazala, Toure, Saidani, Oufella, Yousfi.
