The African duo scored thrice in Saturday’s game that saw Les Merlus win 4-1 against the fourth-placed former champions

Like a fairy tale, Lorient seem headed for salvation after all. Despite spending the bulk of the season at the bottom of the table, three straight victories have seen them move off the nadir of Ligue 1 into 18th place.

Their African duo of strikers, Ghana’s Abdul Majeed Waris and Cameroon captain Benjamin Moukandjo, both scored in Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Olympique Lyonnais.

Waris equalized for Les Merlus on 42 minutes with a beautiful shot from outside the box that was set up by Jeremie Aliadere after Corentin Tolisso had put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute.

It was the Ghanaian striker’s eighth goal of the season in 29 matches (25 starts).

It then became the Moukandjo showcase in the second half as the Cameroonian set up Sylvain Marveaux to make it 2-1 on 49 minutes.