A few days before Christmas, there was already a scent of celebration in Thionville. After Olympique de Marseille last January, US Thionville Lusitanos were back in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France. This time, the opponent was called Valenciennes, resident of National, the 3rd level of French football. In a Guentrange stadium for such a poster, President Ventrici's men had a card to play against the northerners. Indeed, the VAFC arrived in Lorraine in a more than delicate situation. Occupying a precarious position in the standings, the Valencian leaders sacked their coach Ahmed Kantari a few days before the match, replaced by former FC Metz coach Vincent Hognon.
From the kick-off, the USTL took the game into its own hands and left very little of the ball to its opponent. Obtaining a few set pieces in the first ten minutes of play, Thionvillois were close to opening the score. However, Valenciennes would prove more than realistic a few minutes later. After a nice breakthrough from Oyewusi and a first shot repelled by Zimmermann, the ball fell to the feet of Lilepo who just had to finish (0-1, 14'). Stunned by this opening score, the Mosellans fell back dangerously and the Northerners were close to doubling the lead. Like Poha's attempt which found Zimmermann's crossbar (37').
Half time: 0-1
Returning from the locker room in front of more than 2,500 spectators, Thionville presented a completely different face. Coming on at the break in place of Joseph Atangana, Omosanya headed an excellent corner from Groune and brought joy to an entire stadium, an entire city and leveled the score (1-1, 48'). Picked cold, Hognon and his men had difficulty moving forward and left a few opportunities for the USTL to get ahead but the locals lacked realism. A problem that the VAFC did not know. Left alone at the far post, Woudenberg took a very good free kick with his left foot (1-2, 73'). Julien François then tried everything with the entry of young Vitoux (19 years old). A winning coaching since in the very last seconds, the young Thionville player deceived Michel with a header (2-2, 90'+7).
It was therefore necessary to take a penalty shootout to decide between the two teams. An exercise which turned to the advantage of the Valenciennes after the failures of Groune then of Wanduka.
The USTL can emerge from this Coupe de France with its head held high and concentrate on its objective of maintaining National 2.
US Thionville Lusitanos 2-2 Valenciennes FC (TAB : 4-5)
Attendance: 2800 spectators
USTL : Zimmerman – Luvualu, Wanduka, Bouzar(c) – Poinsignon, Atangana (Omosanya, 46′), Rampont, Bourgeois (Botulama, 90′) – Baradji (Vitoux, 80′), Groune, Moustaid (Jacquel, 90′) .
Valenciennes FC : Michel – Diomande, Buades, Woudenberg, Poha – Masson, Boissier (c), Traore – Oyewusi, Boutoutaou (Jovino, 70′), Lilepo (Antoine, 88′).
(Enzo Perretta)
