Coupe de France (32nd). Stade Briochin (N2) – Le Havre AC (L1)
They could have hit the jackpot, Paris SG, Stade Rennais, Stade Brestois or RC Lens, like on January 23, 2018, during a cruel defeat in the round of 16 (0-1). They could also have challenged a simple R1 or gone to Vierzon. The Griffons will finally host Le Havre. “It’s still a Ligue 1,” enthuses Franck L’Hostis, the Briochin goalkeeper. A great team, with very good players.”
He himself will find Mathieu Gorgelin, Arthur Desmas' usual understudy. “We were together in the U21 selection at the Toulon Tournament,” confides the man who made “four or five benches in Ligue 1” during his training at AS Monaco.
Thirty years after Caen
The next few days will tell if this print is appreciated to its full extent. At the same time, En Avant Guingamp will host SM Caen. The programming of this Stade Briochin – Le Havre will therefore depend on this confrontation between comrades from Ligue 2, in which TV broadcasters should be interested.
But – and this is the most pleasing thing – the Griffons should be able to receive their Norman guests at Fred-Aubert. Saturday December 21, ideally. “The best thing would be for our new stand to be open, but I don't really believe in it,” admits Guillaume Allanou, the coach and president. In fact, the deadlines should be reduced by a good month. However, “we have not received a Ligue 1 since the time when the club was professional”. Guillaume Allanou even remembers the last time perfectly. He was 17 years old and had trained with the “big guys” all week. Saint-Brieuc Côtes-d'Armor was in D2 and it had eliminated SM Caen, then in D1, on its land, 3 goals to 1. It was January 14, 1995, 30 years ago, with goals from Dario Brose, Jean-Noël Le Buzulier and Réginald Ray. “I’m happy for the young people,” smiles Benjamin Angoua, the defender with 152 Ligue 1 matches.
Antoine Nugent, ill and absent when Lannion FC hosted Toulouse at Roudourou last year, will have a new chance to challenge an elite club. “In truth, I would have liked to play Paris, Lens or Rennes, but it’s a good draw,” notes the 22-year-old midfielder or full-back. His comrade Aimeric Gomis even saw some memories resurface on this Monday shared at home. “I played a season in Le Havre, in U17. I was with Pape Gueye, who is currently playing at Villareal, Himad Abdelli and Yaya Fofana from SCO Angers.” Sent off against US Saint-Malo on Friday, the striker hopes not to be suspended for more than two matches. He even crosses his fingers.
With unfailing solidarity against the Bretillian Corsairs, the Griffons signed a perfect penalty shootout (5-4) to reach the 32nd final. “But we haven't achieved any real feat since Saint-Malo plays in our championship. Our early Christmas present would be to stop by,” says Guillaume Allanou.
Until then, the Briochins have two N2 matches to play, the first of which, Saturday at Matmut Atlantique, against the Girondins de Bordeaux who should be supported by more than 10,000 supporters. The period is definitely prosperous for the Costarmoricans, the last Breton amateur club to experience such beautiful emotions.
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