Congolese forward Nonda, the division's top scorer last season with 26 goals, gave the Monegasques the lead on 32 minutes with a right-footed free kick curledT from 20 yards out.

Nonda, who was captaining the side in the absence of suspended Ludovic Giuly, doubled the advantage on 57 minutes with a penalty after Mauricio Pochinetto had fouled Jaroslav Plasil in the box.

The victory was particularly welcome for Didier Deschamps' Monaco after a summer of problems which saw last season's runners-up demoted for financial irregularities before being re-instated on appeal.

Marseille dominated the match at Guingamp, but it took them until injury time to crack last season's surprise package.

Ivory Coast striker Ibrahim Bakayoko raced onto a through-ball and slotted home, the ball going in off the goalkeeper's inside post.

It was hard luck on home keeper Ronan Le Crom who had performed heroics throughout, earlier denying Bakayoko with his legs and somehow tipping over from Egyptian striker Mido, both from close range.

Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Bastia in coach Vahid Halilhodzic's first game in charge.

With Brazilian star Ronaldinho sold to Barcelona and new signing Portuguese hitman Pauleta suspended, PSG failed to find the breakthrough at the Parc des Princes against a solid Bastia outfit led by old stager Benoit Cauet.

"We're still not ready, this result is not what we hoped for," said Halilhodzic.

"We're far from what we can achieve and there's plenty of work ahead.

"We missed key players like Pauleta who can bring something extra, but I'm not totally disappointed because my boys gave everything."

Nice enjoyed a 2-1 win at French Cup holders Auxerre.

Veteran French striker Lilian Laslandes struck an early opener on eight minutes before Romain Pitau doubled the lead two minutes after the break.

Second division champions Toulouse got off to a steady start with a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg. Cedric Faure thumped Toulouse ahead from a corner before Christian Bassila equalised for Strasbourg with 11 minutes to go.

Of the other promoted sides, Le Mans gained a creditable 0-0 at Lens while Metz lost 1-0 at home to Hoalid Regragui's strike for Ajaccio just before half-time.

Moroccan Jaouad Zairi hit a last-minute winner for Sochaux in a 2-1 win over 2001 champions Nantes while Montpellier and Rennes drew 1-1.

Champions Lyon endured a miserable start to their shot at a third consecutive title on Friday.

Cameroon striker Jean Makoun struck the only goal at Lille, consigning Lyon to a 1-0 defeat - the 23rd successive time they have failed to win their opening match.