France have struggled to find any rhythm in a disjointed opening 45 minutes of an international friendly to Albania in which they trail 1-0.

The home crowd were almost stunned early on as Sokol Cikalleshi sent a thumping header towards the top corner, but Hugo Lloris clawed the ball away to safety.

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Much to the surprise of the home crowd, Albania continued to threaten and Ermir Lenjani crashed a powerful strike just wide of the post before Mergim Mavraj passed up a wonderful chance to open the scoring when he sent a close-range effort inches wide.

France were restricted to shots from distance and Moussa Sissoko scuffed a poor effort wide before Yohan Cabaye went a little closer with a strike which sailed harmlessly over.

Albania got the goal that they deserved shortly before the break when Mavraj nodded Elseid Hysaj's into the top corner.