Ayhan equaliser forces France to wait for Euro 2020 spot

France drew 1-1 with Turkey in Euro 2020 qualifying on Monday in a match played against a backdrop of diplomatic and security tensions after Paris condemned Ankara for its military offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria.

Substitute Olivier Giroud headed in from a corner to put France ahead on 76 minutes at the Stade de France but Kaan Ayhan nodded in an equaliser six minutes later -- a goal celebrated by a military salute in front of the Turkish supporters.

Turkey remain top of Group H above the world champions on the head-to-head rule, although France can qualify for the finals with a win at home to Moldova next month.

Turkey would clinch their place by avoiding defeat against third-placed Iceland, who are four points back after beating Andorra 2-0.

"They scored a goal from a set-piece in the first match. We could have avoided it," said France coach Didier Deschamps, whose side were beaten 2-0 by Turkey in Konya in June.

"We did what we needed to win the match based on the play and number of chances. They didn't have many but put away a set-piece.

"We should have been more clinical even if it's still a good point," he added.

"We're still on track and need to finish to job in November."
- Military salute -
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