Balogun the hero and the villain in Monaco’s victory at Lens

 Raising football star Folarin Balogun went from hero to villain in his latest outing for Monaco, as he scored an exquisite goal before missing another penalty.

The United States international was included from the off in a Ligue 1 meeting with Lens and made the best possible start as he broke the deadlock inside 19 minutes. The 22-year-old displayed impressive strength, touch, and composure when battling his way down the left wing and crashing the ball into the back of the net.

Ex-Liverpool star Takumi Minamino doubled Monaco’s lead on the half-hour mark, but they conceded within 60 seconds and blew their advantage entirely in the 77th minute as the home side battled back to draw level.

Balogun was allowed to put Monaco back in front in the 82nd minute, but the USMNT star saw his tame spot-kick saved by the legs of former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba – who earned a reputation as something of a penalty-saving specialist during his time at the City Ground.

Minamino got Balogun off the hook in the second minute of stoppage time as he grabbed a dramatic winner. Monaco must now decide whether Balogun is allowed to step up from 12 yards again, as he missed two penalties in the same game against Nice back in September.