PARIS -- Striker Djibrill Cisse scored a goal and set up a second to give AJ Auxerre a 2-0 victory over Montpellier in the French first division on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Cisse, who was last season's top scorer in the league with 22 goals, headed home a fine cross by Finland winger Teemu Tainio to put Auxerre in front in the 72nd minute.

With just one minute to go, the French international unleashed a perfect pass for Zimbabwe's Benjamin Mwaruwari who netted his first goal for his new club.

The turning point of the match came when Montpellier midfielder Habib Bamogo was sent off for a foul on Eric Assati just after the hour, Reuters reported.

Auxerre moved up from 15th to fourth in the table, level on three points with promoted Le Havre.

Auxerre, who lost 1-0 at Paris St. Germain last week, will take on Portuguese club of Boavista in the preliminary round of the Champions League.