Folarin Balogun made his long-awaited return to competitive football as Monaco maintained their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 2-1 victory over Lens on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The United States international entered the game from the bench in the 76th minute, marking his first appearance for Monaco since the World Cup.
Paris Brunner put Monaco in front during the first half with his sixth goal in seven games since the beginning of the campaign.
Lens, who finished as Ligue 1 runners-up last season, restored parity shortly after the hour mark when Matthieu Udol found the net with a header.
The match was Lens’ first since the club parted ways with coach Dino Toppmoeller after only six games in charge.
Former Lens player Yannick Cahuzac has since taken over, having previously worked as part of Toppmoeller’s coaching staff, but his first game in charge ended in defeat.
Monaco eventually regained the advantage in the 84th minute when Lens defender Jonathan Gradit headed the ball into his own net.
The result leaves Monaco unbeaten after five league matches, with 13 points from a possible 15. They sit three points ahead of Lille and Rennes, although both challengers still have games to play this weekend.
For Balogun, the appearance represented an important step after a lengthy spell away from competitive action.
The 25-year-old impressed during the World Cup, scoring three goals for co-hosts the United States, but his tournament was also marked by controversy following his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
The red card initially threatened to rule him out of the last-16 meeting with Belgium, but FIFA suspended the sanction following an intervention involving US President Donald Trump, allowing Balogun to feature.
The United States eventually suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Balogun was also close to leaving Monaco on transfer deadline day earlier this month, with Everton reportedly prepared to pay £40 million ($54 million) for the former Arsenal striker before the move collapsed after a late change of heart.
Monaco will now look to build on their strong start as they continue their pursuit of a sustained challenge at the top of Ligue 1.