By Gareth James
Sabri Lamouchi feels his mission to keep Cardiff City in the Championship is almost complete following their dramatic late win at fellow strugglers Rotherham.
Cedric Kipre struck with just two minutes left to seal a 2-1 win that all-but guarantee the Bluebirds’ survival and keeps Rotherham firmly in trouble.
The Bluebirds are now six points above the drop zone with two games remaining, while United remain just three points above 22nd-placed Reading.
The initial meeting between the two teams last month was abandoned with Cardiff 1-0 up before the pitch became unplayable due to heavy rain.
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Lamouchi was angry at that decision but delighted to see his side inch closer to safety in the replayed game.
The Frenchman, who took charge in January, said: “It is not mathematically done but we are so close.
“The players deserved the win. I saw my players with the right mentality. We created the chances.
“It is an absolutely massive result. My mission was to stay in the Championship. It is not done but I am happy with the result and confident for the next two.
“My only desire is to win the next game at home for our magic fans. This season, for them and for us, has been very frustrating.
“I have big respect for the fans (for travelling to the game again) and big thanks to them.”
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Jordan Hugill almost gave the home crowd the perfect start but his header from Wes Harding’s cross bounced back off the woodwork.
Cardiff then took an 11th-minute lead when Kion Etete sneaked in behind Harding to power in Perry Ng’s cross.
The Millers drew level in the 37th minute with Harding’s cross finding its way through to Chiedozie Ogbene who tucked beyond Jak Alnwick.
Cardiff’s deficiencies from the penalty spot emerged again as Sory Kaba missed for the second game in succession. Conor Coventry was deemed to have brought down Jaden Philogene but was reprieved when Kaba’s effort cannoned back off the bar.
The visitors looked the more likely to nick all three points in the second half and took the big chance that fell their way when Kipre kept his composure to lash beyond Viktor Johansson late on.
Rotherham manager Matt Taylor said: “It’s a tough blow right at the end. Their frontline caused us constant problems. A set-piece moment has cost us. It was a really gutting moment.
“Their threat was obvious and we tried to address that at half-time. We got away with the penalty miss.
“We looked a bit nervy every time the ball got in and around our backline in the first half. I was so pleased that we got back into the game.
“I don’t think the tension affected us too much. I think the opposition pushed us into some scary moments and their physicality told.”
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