While AC Ajaccio was fighting to stay in Ligue 2, this meeting against AJ Auxerre on the 30th day of Ligue 2 was surrounded by a unique atmosphere. The Ajaccian club thus decided, 16 years after the death of its emblematic president, Michel Moretti, on March 31, 2008, to give his name to its stadium. The den of Timizzolo would therefore officially bear the name of Michel Moretti, in memory of a leader who worked at the ACA for several decades and brought the Bears from the amateur championships to Ligue 1. The perfumer, François Coty, thus gave up his place to the former journalist, on the facade of the sports venue. Before the match, speeches and tributes multiplied, on the steps of Timizzolo, to the sound of the Ajaccian municipal fanfare. If Michel Moretti's children declined the invitation for personal reasons, many relatives of the former Ajaccio president were present, in particular former players. “Being present was the least we could do to pay tribute to Michel. His death had an impact on me”declared Xavier Collin. The latter also gave the fictitious kick-off to the evening meeting.
Football: Michel Moretti, former president of AC Ajaccio, narrated by his children Faustina and Basiliu
On the field side, the aceist coach, Olivier Pants, who knew Michel Moretti well having been a player and member of the technical staff, under his presidency, tried to join his group in this vibrant tribute. “Even if I am going to speak to players who did not know Michel Moretti. They must know what president and what man he was”had indicated the coach, before this game.
Emotion does not prevent defeat
But in its workforce, only Thomas Manganihad rubbed shoulders Michel Moretti, during his first visit to the ACA, during the 2007-2008 season. “He believed in me when I was young by bringing me to the club. I have immense respect for him”declared the aceist midfielder, then captain of the team.
But despite the fine speeches, the Bears were not able to shake the Burgundian team. The Aceists had missed their chance in the first moments of the game. Then, they lost against an Auxerre team (0-1) who finished the season crowned with a French Ligue 2 championship title, before returning to the elite of French football.
Retro – March 2024: the return of Frédéric Antonetti to SC Bastia
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Like the number of years we had to wait before seeing a motocross competition again in Saint-Antoine. On April 14, the Ajaccian hill regained extraordinary fervor with more than 1,000 spectators coming to watch the trophy Ange Bianchini. This first edition was won by Mathieu Santoni.
The sentence
“I was all in from start to finish. That's how you achieve good times. It's complicated to manage. You have to hold on, that's all!“This was the analysis made by Noël Giordanowinner of the 20th edition of the A Gravona trail and new record holder for the event.
Other events
Running
07/04 – The Ajaccio marathon is full
This is a 33rd edition of exceptional quality which took place in the streets of Ajaccio. This race, which has become increasingly popular over the years, had reached, for the first time, the milestone of 700 athletes entered. As usual, three distances were on the program: the marathon (42 km), the half (21 km) and the 10 km. It was Joseph Baghioni who took the big buckle.
Squash
11/04 – La Balagne retains its place in the French N2 F championship
In Clermont-Ferrand, for the fourth and final day of the regular season, the Balanines managed to secure their retention in the French N2 championship. Mélissa Mebarek, Noemie Ledrich and Isa Stoehr did the job to deliver this performance to their club.
Volley-ball
13/04 – The GFCA reaches the final of the League B Play-offs
After being beaten at home, the Ajaccians had obtained the right to play the support match of these play-off semi-finals by winning in Cambrai. This third and final match took place in a boiling hot Palatinu where Frédéric Ferrandez's men won their ticket for the play-off final (3-0). “We got through it thanks to our audience who transcended us and to the will of the players,” said the Ajaccian coach at the end of the game.
Football
13/04 – The lucky 13 of the ACA and Sporting
In search of points, in their quest to maintain, the two island professional teams carried out a superb operation, against the big names of the championship. The Bears brought down AS Saint-Etienne at Timizzolo (2-0) while Sporting won at Matmut Atlantique, against the Girondins de Bordeaux (2-3). Successes which allowed the Acéistes and the Bastiais to brighten their horizons in Ligue 2.
21/04 – Snigur wins the Calvi Ladies Open
The Ukrainian, Daria Snigur paid the greatest tribute to her country by winning the Calvi Open, against the Swiss, Valentine Ryser (6/3, 6/2). “I have a very strong thought for mine,” declared the winner.
Rowing
28/04 – First French championships in Ajaccio
It was the culmination of a long work for the Kalliste rowing of Ajaccio which succeeded in organizing the French Beach Rowing Sprint championships.
