PARIS (AFP) - Canadian businessman Jack Kachkar´s dream of buying French giants Marseille was tempered by a 2-0 away defeat to Le Mans.

Kachkar, who is hoping to buy the southern giants from Robert Louis Dreyfus in a few weeks, walked on to the park at Le Mans prior to the game in the hope it would be followed by a victory for the southern giants.

In the end the Canadian watched a league setback which opens up the way for third placed Lens and Lille, currently fourth, to sneak in and take second place behind runaway leaders Lyon.

After Mamadou Niang had hit the post for Marseille in the 22nd minute, the visitors were stunned when James Fanchone pounced on a rebound to open the scoring for the hosts in the 36th minute.

The referee awarded a penalty for the hosts late in the second half, and Grafite beat Marseille keeper Cedric Carrasso from the spot to seal the points -- and thus avenge Le Mans´ recent exit from the French Cup at the hands of Marseille.

Marseille coach Albert Emon was so incensed with the penalty decision that he was sent to the stands for remonstrating with the fourth official on the touchline.

The defeat ended Marseille´s string of five victories in all competitions, and means that Lille can jump up to second place if they at least draw with Bordeaux later Saturday.

Third placed Lens, who had one point more than Lille, host Saint Etienne on Sunday.