A late extra-time goal by Senegalese forward Ibrahima Wadji, securing a 2-2 draw at the Stade Saint-Symphorien against Metz, has propelled Saint Etienne back to Ligue 1, two years after their relegation. 

The Greens, who earned the opportunity to play in this promotion playoff by finishing third in Ligue 2, join Auxerre and Angers, who secured direct promotion by finishing first and second, respectively, weeks earlier.

Saint Etienne's return to the top flight results in the relegation of Metz, who played with ten men from the fifth minute following a harsh tackle by Pape Diallo on Dennis Appiah.

Despite the early setback, the Romanian-coached Metz side, led by Laszlo Boloni, took the lead after 15 minutes through a goal by Senegalese player Lamine Camara, assisted by Matthieu Udol. In the 25th minute, Metz doubled their advantage with a penalty converted by Georgian forward Georges Mikautadze.

The tide began to turn for Metz just before halftime. In the 35th minute, a corner from Dylan Chambost was headed by Aimen Moueffek towards the far post, where Leo Petrot connected to score, reducing the deficit and leveling the aggregate score.

The match proceeded to extra time, and with just three minutes remaining, as the game seemed destined for penalties, Ibrahima Wadji, who had come off the bench, scored his first goal of the season with an assist from Nathanael Mbuku. This goal secured Saint Etienne's return to the top tier under the guidance of coach Oliver Dall'Oglio.